In Paperjam: “Cancer: patient, but not passive”

I am sharing with you the article I wrote for Paperjam, a Luxembourg magazine: “Cancer: patient, but not passive”.

My experience, as someone who has come through cancer and as a doctor, has allowed me to understand and study how important it is to integrate exercise as an additional treatment on the cancer journey. Exercise is a key ally: it boosts conventional treatments, improves quality of life and can even help reduce the risk of recurrence and mortality.

My mission is for exercise to become a treatment in its own right in cancer care, and for everyone to have access to it, without exception.

Thank you to Vitaly Fit, the gym where I train, for offering me this space as part of its Paperjam Club membership. Here is what I say in it.

“Get some rest. Stay at home. Don’t overexert yourself.”

If a loved one has had cancer, you’ve no doubt said these words to them. They were repeated to me with affection. I did the opposite, and that’s what kept me going.

I’m an A&E doctor. In 2024, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Amidst the numerous operations, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormone therapy, I refused to simply sit back and accept my fate: I sought to take action to regain control. A coach specialising in cancer exercise supported me remotely, tailoring my sessions to each stage of my journey: three strength training sessions a week, three days of cardio adapted to my condition and my treatments. I trained before and after the operations, and even whilst living with lymphoedema.

I know that some days, you just don’t feel like it. Fatigue, pain, the urge to just stay in bed. I’ve been there too. But I made the decision to go for it, and I finished every session with more energy, less pain, and my quality of life intact. I’m still doing it today, because exercise remains a cornerstone of my health. Above all, I’ve regained control over my own recovery.

What the science says

Scientific research confirms the benefits of exercise in oncology. Muscle is an endocrine organ: when it contracts, it releases myokines that regulate inflammation and immunity. The CHALLENGE trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2025, followed 889 patients through three years of structured exercise: a 28% reduction in recurrence and a 37% reduction in mortality. Other studies confirm these benefits in terms of fatigue, anxiety and quality of life.

Three misconceptions I want to dispel

• “A person with cancer has to rest during treatment.” No. A person with cancer does not necessarily have to rest during their treatment.
• “Exercise is just for young people or athletes.” No. It is for everyone, as long as it is adapted.
• “It is contraindicated in cases of lymphoedema, a catheter or metastases.” No. Each situation requires a medical assessment and a personalised programme, not immobility.

This is what led me to train in lifestyle medicine and to complete a master’s degree in nutrition and exercise for cancer patients. This experience gave rise to ActiveHEAL, with a simple ambition: to make therapeutic exercise accessible to as many people as possible. Today I support other patients on this same path.

Where to start

If you or a loved one is going through cancer, start getting active. 150 minutes of cardio a week, walking is enough to start with, and 2 to 3 strength training sessions a week. Ideally with a qualified professional.

Read the article

The article is available in English and in French on Paperjam. And if you want to understand where this conviction comes from, read my first post again: From Passive Patient to Active Protagonist.