Exercise after a cancer diagnosis may lower risk of dying

A study of more than 17,000 cancer survivors found that starting or continuing moderate-to-vigorous physical activity after diagnosis was linked with a lower risk of death, and experts noted benefits both for muscle strength and at the cellular (anti-inflammatory) level.

Cancer survival rates have risen, and new research is examining habits that could extend life after diagnosis. A large study published in Nutrition, Obesity, and Exercise analyzed data from over 17,000 survivors and reported an association between post-diagnosis physical activity and lower risk of dying. Clinicians and researchers are discussing how activity affects both overall fitness and biological processes. Experts cited in the report emphasized benefits across different stages of care. Key findings: - About 70% of patients now reach the five-year survival mark, noted as context for the research. - The study used data from more than 17,000 survivors of several cancers, including bladder, lung, oral, ovarian and rectal cancers. - Starting or continuing moderate-to-vigorous physical activity after diagnosis was associated with a reduced risk of death in the study population. - Clinicians said exercise can help maintain or rebuild muscle mass and reduce frailty after treatment. - Experts described exercise as having anti-inflammatory effects at the cellular level and noted it can influence factors tied to some cancers, such as body fat and estrogen production. Summary: The study reports an association between physical activity after a cancer diagnosis and lower mortality, with clinicians describing both physical (muscle, frailty) and biological (anti-inflammatory) pathways. Undetermined at this time.