A recent study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that engaging in moderate to vigorous physical activity after a cancer diagnosis may improve survival rates. This research indicates that even individuals who were inactive before their diagnosis can benefit from incorporating exercise into their routines.
The study analyzed data from six long-term health studies, involving 17,141 cancer survivors across various types of cancer, including bladder, lung, and endometrial cancers. Participants reported their physical activity levels before and after their diagnoses, with data collected approximately 2.8 years post-diagnosis to avoid the effects of treatment-related inactivity.
Physical activities were categorized by intensity, focusing on moderate to vigorous exercise such as brisk walking, swimming, and cycling. The study measured activity in metabolic equivalent task hours per week (MET-h/wk), aligning with current guidelines recommending 150 to 300 minutes of moderate exercise weekly.
Findings revealed that any amount of moderate to vigorous activity post-diagnosis was associated with a lower risk of cancer-related death. Specifically, bladder cancer survivors engaging in physical activity had a 33% lower risk of cancer death compared to inactive peers. Endometrial and lung cancer survivors who met recommended activity levels experienced reductions in risk of 60% and 62%, respectively.
The research underscores that it is never too late to begin exercising, as those who were previously inactive but became active after diagnosis also demonstrated significant survival benefits. Experts recommend starting slowly, with simple activities like “microwalks” and gradually progressing to meet the suggested physical activity levels. This study adds to the growing body of evidence highlighting the importance of exercise in cancer survivorship.