Exercise, Diet, and Weight Management During Cancer Treatment: ASCO Guideline

Published May 2022 · Jennifer A. Ligibel, MD et al. · Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Yale, MD Anderson, and others

This American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) clinical practice guideline—led by experts from top institutions—reviews over 50 systematic reviews and 23 randomized controlled trials to determine how exercise, diet, and weight management impact patients during active cancer treatment (chemo, radiation, surgery).

Key finding:

Exercise—both aerobic and resistance—is strongly recommended during active treatment with curative intent.

Why? Because it:

  • Reduces fatigue

  • Improves cardiorespiratory fitness, strength, and function

  • Enhances quality of life, and reduces anxiety and depression

  • Is safe across most cancer types and treatments

However, there is insufficient evidence to support:

  • Specific diets (e.g. ketogenic, fasting, low-fat)

  • Intentional weight loss during treatment

  • Neutropenic diets (restricting fruits/veggies) to prevent infection

This is the first major guideline focused specifically on the treatment phase—not just post-treatment survivorship. And it delivers a clear message:

And while diet and weight changes are important long-term, we don’t yet have enough data to recommend specific dietary patterns or calorie targets during treatment. That said, general healthy eating should still be encouraged.

The takeaway: Exercise is the most evidence-supported lifestyle intervention during treatment. Every patient should be evaluated for how they can safely move more—whether it’s supervised PT or self-directed walks.

🏋️ What Should You Do?

If you’re a cancer survivor or currently in treatment, here are the latest guidelines from the American College of Sports Medicine and The American Cancer Society:

✅ 150–300 minutes of moderate aerobic activity/week

(brisk walking, cycling, rowing, or swimming)

✅ 2x/week resistance training

(Strength training using weights, bands, or machines)

If you’re unsure where to begin, we recommend setting up your free first session with An Oncologic Athlete Doctor of Physical Therapy.


NEWSLETTER: 

The Research Rundown | Issue #2

Title: Recent ASCO Guideline Endorses Exercise During Cancer Treatment

Subtitle: Evidence from 75+ studies confirms: movement matters—even in the middle of treatment.

🚨 Recent Guidelines Are In

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)—with experts from Dana-Farber, Yale, MD Anderson, and more—just released the first major guideline focused on exercise, diet, and weight management during cancer treatment (not just after).

They reviewed 50+ systematic reviews and 23 clinical trials. The verdict?

✅ Exercise Works

Aerobic and resistance training are strongly recommended during treatment.

Why? Because exercise:

  • Reduces fatigue

  • Improves fitness, strength, and function

  • Boosts mood and quality of life

  • Is safe across most cancer types

The Oncologic Athlete

Science-Informed. Athlete-Minded. Stronger Than Cancer.