Starting, or returning to, physical activity can feel like a big step at the best of times. 

For people living with or recovering from cancer, that step can feel even more uncertain. It’s not just about motivation, it’s about knowing what’s safe, what feels right, and whether you’re doing the right thing for your body. 

At Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, these are conversations we have every day. It’s why programmes like Active Move exist, to take away that uncertainty and help people feel supported, informed, and confident in taking that first step. 

One of the most common questions we hear is: 

“Do I need to speak to a doctor before I start exercising?” 

Ed Wallace, Retired GP and Vice Chair of Fife Sports and Leisure Trust Board of Directors, explains: 

“For most people, particularly when starting with light activity, it is often appropriate to begin without medical approval. The key is to start at a manageable level and build up gradually.” 

That starting point doesn’t need to be ambitious. In fact, the most important thing is that it feels comfortable, allowing you to build confidence as you go. 

Fiona Prendergast, our Health and Wellbeing Manager, sees this hesitation often: 

“People can worry that they’ll get it wrong or won’t know where to begin. That’s exactly why we’re here. We take the time to understand each person’s situation and help them find an approach that feels right for them.” 

For people affected by cancer, physical activity can play a powerful role, not just physically, but emotionally too. 

It can help rebuild strength, manage fatigue, and provide a sense of routine at a time when many things can feel uncertain. 

“Gentle to moderate physical activity is not only safe for most people affected by cancer, but highly beneficial,” explains Ed. “It can support physical function, reduce fatigue, and improve overall wellbeing.” 

“There can be a lot of uncertainty during treatment and recovery,” Fiona adds. “Activity can offer structure and a sense of progress, even in small ways, and that can make a real difference to how people feel day to day.” 

While many people can begin with light activity, there are situations where it’s important to seek advice before getting started or progressing further. 

You may want to speak to a healthcare professional if: 

• You are experiencing new or worsening symptoms such as dizziness, chest pain, severe fatigue or breathlessness. 

• You have recently had surgery. 

• You have concerns around infection risk or ongoing side effects. 

• You have been advised to limit certain types of activity. 

These situations aren’t barriers to being active, but they are important checkpoints to make sure you’re moving forward safely and with the right support in place. 

“Everyone’s experience with cancer is different,” Fiona explains. “That’s why we take the time to understand each individual and, where needed, work alongside healthcare professionals so people feel confident about what they’re doing.” 

Active Move is a group-based programme for people living with and beyond a cancer diagnosis, but the experience itself is very personal. 

Each participant is supported to follow an approach that reflects their own needs, abilities, and stage of treatment or recovery. The group setting offers encouragement and a sense of community, while still allowing space for individual progress. 

There’s no expectation to keep up with others, and no pressure to reach a certain level. Instead, the focus is on helping people move in a way that feels right for them. 

“Everyone starts from a different place,” says Ed. “Over time, people begin to feel more confident in what they can do, supported by staff who are trained to work with people with a range of medical conditions.”

Before anyone begins, we take the time to speak to every person who is referred into the programme, whether that’s through a healthcare professional or by self-referral. This allows us to understand their individual circumstances, answer any questions, and make sure they feel comfortable and confident about getting started. 

Fiona brings that experience to life: 

“We’re not just delivering activity sessions, we’re supporting people through a journey. For some, that first step is simply walking through the door. For others, it’s rebuilding strength after treatment. Whatever that looks like, we meet people where they are.” 

Self-Referral Form: https://www.fifeleisure.org.uk/health-wellbeing-self-referral/  

Health Professional Referral Form: https://www.fifeleisure.org.uk/health-wellbeing-healthcare-professional-referral/ 

Cancer Strategy Scotland: https://www.gov.scot/publications/cancer-strategy-scotland-2023-2033/pages/3/ 

Maggie’s: https://www.maggies.org/our-centres/maggies-fife/ 

NHS Fife: https://www.nhsfife.org/services/all-services/cancer-services/ 

Fife Health and Social Care: https://www.fifehealthandsocialcare.org/ 

Macmillan, Reducing Risk: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/about-us/latest-news/news-and-stories/reducing-the-risk 

Macmillan, Physical Activity and Cancer: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/treatment/preparing-for-treatment/physical-activity-and-cancer/faqs 

The BASES Expert Statement on Exercise and Cancer Survivorship: https://www.cases.org.uk/imgs/cancer_survive856.pdf