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Research suggests even low levels of physical activity can significantly benefit cancer patients.

A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine highlights the potential benefits of regular physical activity prior to a cancer diagnosis, indicating that it may reduce the risks of disease progression and death. The study’s findings suggest that even relatively low levels of physical activity can be advantageous in improving cancer outcomes.

While there is substantial evidence supporting the role of physical activity in lowering the risk of death from cancer, the role of exercise in halting disease progression has remained less clear. To explore this, researchers analyzed anonymized data from over 28,000 individuals covered by South Africa’s largest open medical scheme, the Discovery Health Medical Scheme (DHMS), linked with the Vitality health promotion program. This program rewards participants for healthy lifestyle choices, including physical activity, which was tracked through activity trackers, gym attendance, and other fitness-related engagements.

The study focused on individuals diagnosed with stage 1 cancers, primarily breast and prostate cancers, between 2007 and 2022. The analysis looked at physical activity levels during the year leading up to diagnosis and compared these with outcomes like disease progression and death. Researchers found that nearly two-thirds of participants did not experience cancer progression, while 19% died during the study, with an average survival time of 20 months.

Participants’ physical activity levels were categorized as none (62%), low (13%), and moderate to high (25%), based on weekly exercise minutes. The results showed that those with a history of physical activity had significantly better outcomes. Specifically, individuals who engaged in low levels of physical activity in the year before diagnosis had a 16% lower risk of disease progression compared to those who were inactive. Those with moderate to high levels of activity experienced a 27% lower risk of progression. Furthermore, the likelihood of death was 33% lower among those who exercised at a low level and 47% lower for those with moderate to high levels.

The study found that, even two years after diagnosis, physical activity positively impacted both disease progression and survival rates. For example, 80% of individuals with moderate to high levels of physical activity had no disease progression, compared to 74% for those with no recorded physical activity.

While the study was observational and cannot establish causation, the researchers offer plausible biological explanations for the observed benefits. They suggest that regular exercise enhances immunity by boosting natural killer cells and other immune factors. Moreover, physical activity may lower the progression risk of hormone-sensitive cancers like breast and prostate cancers by regulating estrogen and testosterone levels.

The authors argue that physical activity should be considered a key factor in cancer management, advocating for its promotion as part of cancer prevention, treatment, and recovery strategies.

“Physical activity may confer substantial benefits in terms of progression and overall mortality for those diagnosed with cancer,” the researchers conclude. “In a world where cancer remains a significant public health challenge, promoting physical activity could yield significant benefits in cancer prevention and management.”

Source: British Journal of Sports Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2024-108813

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