Can Exercise Actually Fight Cancer? The Science of Movement with JC Rodriguez

Can working out actually change what's happening inside your body during cancer treatment?  Dr. Leah Sherman sits down with certified clinical exercise physiologist JC Rodriguez to unpack the real science behind exercise and cancer—including how movement may redirect blood flow away from tumors, alter tumor metabolism, and boost immune surveillance. JC breaks down what this looks like in practice: how to move through severe fatigue with “mentally small” wins like a 5-minute walk or in-bed stretches, why consistency matters more than intensity, and general targets for cardio and strength training (individualized to each person). He also covers managing joint pain from hormone therapy, exercising safely with a port, and where to find accessible, cancer-specific fitness support — from YMCA Livestrong to ACSM-certified specialists. Visit JC’s website and learn more https://www.oncolofit.com/ Download JC’s FREE Get Stronger in 21 Days Guide: https://oncolofit.aweb.page/thriving-after-cancer-guide Get his FREE Cancer Recovery Starter Kit: https://www.oncolofit.com/beat-cancer Follow JC on social media: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/oncolofit/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@jc.oncolofit YouTube https://youtube.com/@jc.oncolofit 00:41 Meet JC Rodriguez 01:28 What Is Cancer Exercise Science 03:15 How Exercise Fights Cancer 05:49 Starting With Fatigue 09:06 Low Impact Options 10:05 Inflammation And Movement 11:37 How Much Exercise Weekly 12:45 Strength Training Basics 14:00 Weight Gain And Muscle Loss 18:15 Radiation Fatigue Differences 19:45 Hormone Therapy Joint Pain 23:48 Exercising With A Port 31:01 How To Find A Cancer Exercise Program 34:41 Why J.C. Chose Oncology 37:16 Free Downloadable Guides And Tips 38:27 Final Advice And Wrap Up Leave a message and let us know what you liked about the episode! Support the show **Become a member of The Cancer Pod Community!** Support the podcast and gain access to exclusive content and more! Join today on Buy Me a Coffee or Patreon**.** Check out thecancerpod.com**!** Looking for more information? The website has blogs, merch, and all of the episodes listed by season and category.  Shop the Bookshop! The shelves at Bookshop feature books by authors who have been on the show and other fav books. Buy The Cancer Pod merch! Whether it’s a cozy hoody or a handy water bottle, we have something for everybody. Have a comment or suggestion? Email **info (at) thecancerpod (dot) com** Follow **@TheCancerPod** on social media: - Instagram - Bluesky - Facebook - LinkedIn - YouTube