A recent study has revealed that moderate daily exercise can significantly reduce the risk of death from cardiovascular disease (CVD) among older female cancer survivors. This demographic is particularly vulnerable to developing CVD, making these findings particularly relevant for improving long-term health outcomes.
Researchers from the University of California, San Diego analyzed data from nearly 2,500 female cancer survivors who participated in studies conducted between 2011 and 2015. The participants, aged 63 to 99, wore fitness trackers to monitor their physical activity for at least 10 hours a day over a week. The study, which is part of the Women’s Health Accelerometry Collaboration, highlighted the strong protective effects of physical activity on heart health.
According to the findings, engaging in one hour of moderate to vigorous exercise daily can reduce the risk of death from all causes by 40% and from CVD by 60%. Interestingly, the study also noted that benefits were evident even at levels below current physical activity guidelines, which recommend 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Participants who achieved 5,000 to 6,000 steps daily experienced a notable decrease in mortality risk.
Conversely, increased sedentary behavior was linked to poorer health outcomes, with each additional 102 minutes of sitting associated with a 30% increased risk of death from CVD. Experts suggest that integrating more movement into daily routines—such as taking walks during phone calls or linking exercise to meal times—can help cancer survivors maintain an active lifestyle.
This research underscores the importance of encouraging physical activity among cancer survivors to enhance their overall health and longevity.