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Program for exercise and sport in cancer

Exercise and sport have been shown to alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy, reduce the risk of relapse and promote healing. The Comprehensive Cancer Center Zurich (CCCZ)'s "Exercise and sport for cancer" program offers individually tailored training for physical support. Thanks to the Cancer Move Continuum Switzerland (CMCS) network, you can also complete the training at certified partner institutions near you and thus better integrate it into your everyday life.

Positive effects and support

Scientific studies show that exercise and sport help cancer patients to better tolerate the side effects of cancer therapy and to better cope with the disease. In addition, healing can be promoted and the risk of relapse, and thus mortality, can be reduced.

Positive effects that can be achieved:

  • The risk of relapse and thus mortality can be reduced
  • The chronic fatigue is positively influenced
  • Sensory disturbances caused by chemotherapy are improved
  • Swelling after lymph node removal can be reduced
  • Mobility after surgery is promoted and limitations due to scar tissue are reduced
  • The performance is increased
  • The ability to remember and memorize improves
  • Anxiety and stress decrease

What we offer

  • Screening and needs analysis for physical exercise (cardiopulmonary performance, strength, postural stability/balance, coordination)
  • Individual advice and training management, taking into account existing or potential problems
  • Personalized multimodal movement, physiotherapy and occupational therapy (endurance, strength, vibration, sensorimotor and cognitive training)
  • Sport-specific build-up training, also for ambitious athletes
  • Performance diagnostic tests (ergometry, spiroergometry, pulmonary function test)

In our movement and sports therapy, you exercise under professional guidance. The training is adapted to your current performance level and can be carried out as individual or group training.

Program for exercise and sport in cancer

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Program for exercise and sport in cancer

An interdisciplinary team of specialists from various fields such as sports medicine, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, sports therapy, sports science and oncology at the University Hospital Zurich and Balgrist University Hospital work closely together in the program for exercise, sport and cancer at the CCCZ.

More about Cancer Move Continuum Switzerland

As part of the Cancer Move Continuum Switzerland (CMCS) network, you have the opportunity to receive specialized movement therapies in your area – at quality-approved partner institutions. This means you can benefit from optimal care that is tailored precisely to your needs as a cancer patient without having to travel long distances.

For more information about the offer, please contact us at cmcs-peu@usz.ch .

For patients

A prescription is required to register for therapy. This will be issued by your doctor. Contact your doctor or the staff of the specialized nursing consultations at the CCCZ if you have any questions or would like to take advantage of our exercise and sports offerings.

Mail cmcs-peu@usz.ch

For referrering physicians

University Hospital Zurich
Physiotherapy Occupational Therapy
Raemistrasse 100
8091 Zurich

Tel. +41 44 255 23 74
Mail onkoreha-peu@usz.ch
Patient registration form

Responsible Departments

Comprehensive Cancer Center Zurich

Physiotherapy Occupational Therapy

Last updated on April 22, 2026

First published on August 16, 2023

Reviewed by our medical editors