Boosting Survival: How Post-Diagnosis Exercise Can Lower Cancer Mortality Risk
Even if you weren’t active before a cancer diagnosis, increasing physical activity afterward can significantly reduce your risk of dying from the disease. This is the key takeaway from recent research, highlighting the crucial role of exercise in cancer survivorship.
New Research Highlights the Benefits
A study published in JAMA Network Open, conducted by researchers at the American Cancer Society (ACS) led by Dr. Erika Rees-Punia, tracked over 17,000 individuals with a history of seven different cancers – bladder, ovarian, lung, uterine, kidney, oral, and rectal – for more than a decade. The research revealed a strong correlation between increased physical activity after diagnosis and lower cancer mortality rates.
Moderate to Vigorous Activity is Key
The study found that higher levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were associated with reduced cancer mortality. This reinforces the importance of encouraging cancer survivors to be more physically active for both long-term survival and overall health. Even a compact amount of activity showed benefits, with those engaging in some exercise experiencing lower mortality rates compared to those who remained inactive.
Beyond Common Cancers: A Broader Appear
While previous research has largely focused on breast, prostate, and colon cancer survivors, this study expands the scope to include individuals with cancers that have been comparatively less studied in terms of exercise benefits. The findings apply to those with bladder, uterine, kidney, lung, oral, ovarian, and rectal cancers, offering valuable insights for a wider range of patients.
How Much Activity Makes a Difference?
The research categorized physical activity levels based on metabolic equivalent of task-hours per week (MET-h/wk). Even a low level of activity (0-7.5 MET-h/wk) was associated with a reduced risk of death from bladder, uterine, and lung cancers compared to no activity. Higher levels, exceeding recommended guidelines (15 MET-h/wk), showed even greater benefits, particularly for oral and rectal cancer survivors.
Specifically, bladder cancer survivors saw a 33% reduction in cancer mortality, uterine cancer survivors a 38% reduction, and lung cancer survivors a 44% reduction with even minimal activity. Those with oral cancer experienced a 61% reduction in mortality with high activity levels, while rectal cancer survivors saw a 43% reduction.
It’s Never Too Late to Start
A particularly encouraging finding was that even individuals who were not active before their cancer diagnosis benefited from increasing their activity levels after diagnosis. This suggests that it’s never too late to incorporate exercise into a cancer survivorship plan.
The Role of Healthcare Professionals
The study underscores the importance of healthcare professionals actively recommending and supporting physical activity for their cancer patients. This includes providing guidance on appropriate exercise types and intensities, as well as addressing any barriers to participation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is MET-h/wk?
- MET-h/wk stands for metabolic equivalent of task-hours per week. It’s a measure that combines the intensity and duration of physical activity. One MET is the energy you use while resting.
- What counts as moderate-intensity exercise?
- Moderate-intensity exercise includes activities like brisk walking, cycling at a leisurely pace, or water aerobics.
- What counts as vigorous-intensity exercise?
- Vigorous-intensity exercise includes activities like running, swimming laps, or hiking uphill.
- Is this research applicable to all cancer types?
- While this study focused on seven specific cancers, the general principle of exercise benefiting cancer survivors likely applies to many other types as well. While, it’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
Source: American Cancer Society research published in JAMA Network Open, February 19, 2026.
Want to learn more about cancer prevention and survivorship? Explore additional resources on the American Cancer Society website and discuss personalized exercise plans with your doctor.
