New Evidence Supports Physical Activity as a Key Factor in Improving Cancer Survival Rates

A comprehensive study conducted by researchers from the American Cancer Society (ACS) provides strong evidence that engaging in leisure-time moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) after a cancer diagnosis can significantly enhance survival prospects for patients with various types of cancer. The study highlights the positive impact of physical activity on survival rates for cancers including bladder, breast, colon, endometrial, kidney, lung, oral, prostate, rectal, and respiratory cancers.

This research stands out as the first longitudinal analysis examining the relationship between post-diagnosis physical activity and overall mortality specifically in survivors of bladder and oral cavity cancers. Additionally, it is the largest study to evaluate these associations in survivors of endometrial, kidney, and lung cancer. The findings, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI), reinforce the importance of maintaining physical activity after cancer diagnosis.

Dr. Erika Rees-Punia, the senior principal scientist at ACS and lead author, emphasizes the significance of the results: "Our findings add crucial evidence that staying physically active after a cancer diagnosis can meaningfully improve survival chances."

The study pooled data from six U.S.-based studies, totaling 90,844 cancer survivors with an average age of 67 years. Over an average follow-up period of nearly 11 years, 45,477 participants died. Researchers used advanced statistical models, adjusting for various factors such as age, sex, race, smoking, alcohol intake, treatment, and cancer stage, to determine the association between physical activity and mortality.

Results showed that engaging in recommended levels of MVPA—about 2.5 to 5 hours of brisk walking weekly—was linked to improved overall survival in patients with ten different cancer types. The recommended amount is between 7.5 and under 15 MET hours per week. The study underscores that even a modest amount of exercise, like walking, can make a substantial difference.

Dr. Rees-Punia notes that cancer treatments can be physically and mentally exhausting, making exercise seem challenging. However, she advises that any physical activity is better than none and suggests finding enjoyable activities or exercising with others to make it more feasible.

The research highlights a crucial message: incorporating physical activity into post-cancer care could be a vital strategy to increase survival rates and improve quality of life for survivors.

For more detailed information, refer to the study: Erica Rees-Punia et al, 'Leisure-time physical activity after diagnosis and survival by cancer type: a pooled analysis,' published in JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 2025.