A large scientific review has concluded that aerobic exercise, such as running, combined with some strength training, is linked to a lower chance of cancer returning after treatment. The findings, supported by Cancer Research UK, suggest that patients who exercised as part of their aftercare were 23% less likely to die and 17% less likely to have a cancer recurrence before their death.
Study details and key findings
The review included 8,500 participants across 123 studies and 21 clinical trials. It found that those who exercised were 18% less likely to die from any cause and 26% less likely to die from their cancer. Cancer returns in between 20% and 40% of patients even after chemotherapy and surgical removal of tumours.
Exercise is sometimes prescribed to cancer patients to ease fatigue and help mobility, but its impact on the chances of tumours returning has been debated. The consequences of surgery and chemo can leave patients frail and concerned about pushing the body with too much physical activity.
Expert commentary
Michelle Mitchell, chief executive at Cancer Research UK, said: “Exercise has many health benefits, and this study suggests it could help people with cancer live longer, healthier lives. That's why it's important that those recovering from the disease have access to physical activity support as part of their care, where appropriate.”
The scientific review, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, suggests exercise should be seen as a crucial part of ongoing treatment for anyone diagnosed with cancer. Author Chih-Chen Tzang, of the National Taiwan University, said: “Aerobic exercise drives systemic cardiovascular conditioning, immune cell mobilisation, and normalisation of tumour perfusion, mechanisms directly relevant to systemic tumour control.”
Which exercises help
The most common type of cancer studied was breast cancer, followed by bowel and pancreatic cancers. Aerobic exercise is anything that increases heart rate, including jogging, running, cycling, swimming and dancing. Common strength exercises include weights, squats, lunges, press ups, sit ups and pull ups.
Researchers suspect these activities boost the body’s immune system response to cancer and improve blood flow within tumours, potentially helping treatment work better. Exercise may also lower circulating levels of sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone and increase glucose uptake by muscles, leaving less available to fuel cancer cells. Physical activity may help cells repair DNA damage, limiting changes that can make tumours more aggressive.
Mitchell added: “All cancer journeys are different, and some people may face barriers to being physically active. Speaking to a doctor can help people work out what is safe and what feels right for them.”
