Exercise, Cancer-Related Fatigue and Physical Function in Individuals with Cancer: From General Recommendations to Individualised Prescription — A Narrative Review

Abstract

Background. Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and impaired physical function are common consequences of cancer and its treatment. Exercise may improve both outcomes, although their responses do not always occur in parallel. Aim. To examine the effects of exercise on CRF and physical function and identify factors relevant to individualised exercise prescription. Material and methods. A narrative review of 29 freely accessible full-text publications indexed in PubMed from January 2016 to August 2026 was conducted, including guidelines, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomised controlled trials and selected observational and mechanistic studies. Results. Exercise was associated with reductions in CRF and improvements in physical fitness and functional performance, but no universally optimal modality, dose, timing strategy or supervision model was identified. CRF and physical function were related but distinct outcomes. Response appeared to vary with baseline status, treatment context, supervision and individualisation, while adherence and accessibility influenced real-world effectiveness. Conclusions. Exercise prescription in oncology should be individualised, outcome-oriented and adapted to baseline status, treatment context, tolerance and clinical needs. Further research should identify the most effective and sustainable prescriptions for specific patients and outcomes.