Structured exercise linked to a 23% lower risk of death in people with cancer, mostly breast cancer
A meta-analysis of 21 clinical trials and 8,449 patients, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, links structured exercise programmes with a 23% lower risk of death. Of the participants, 88% were women and breast cancer was the most common diagnosis.
Moving helps, during and after cancer too. A large analysis pooling 21 clinical trials with 8,449 patients from North America, Europe, Australia and Asia backs it up with data: people who followed a structured exercise programme as part of their care lived longer.
The numbers
Compared with those who did not exercise, patients in the programmes were:
- 23% less likely to die and 17% less likely to have a recurrence before death.
- In separate analyses, 26% less likely to die from their cancer.
88% of participants were women, with an average age of 54, and breast cancer was the most common diagnosis. Average follow-up was more than five years.
What kind of exercise
Results favoured aerobic exercise (brisk walking, cycling, swimming), alone or combined with strength training. The benefit was greater among those who completed at least 70% of their programme.
A note of caution
This is a meta-analysis: it shows a solid association, not that exercise cures cancer. The programmes varied widely and there was no clear evidence that exercise delayed the disease getting worse. Patients should talk to their medical team before starting.
Why it matters
Exercise is cheap, available to almost everyone and good for body and mood. The authors call for it to become part of routine cancer care.
