Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Regular Exercise After Cancer Treatment Linked to Longer Survival
Researchers studied whether exercise helps people after cancer treatment.
They combined results from 21 studies involving 8,449 patients.
People who exercised had a lower chance of dying and a lower chance of their cancer returning.
The strongest benefits appeared in people who completed most of their planned exercise sessions.
Walking, other aerobic activities, and aerobic exercise combined with strength training were helpful in the studies.
Strength training by itself did not show a significant survival benefit.
Exercise may help the immune system, blood flow and the way muscles use sugar.
The researchers said exercise is inexpensive and usually has few side effects.
However, the people studied were often healthier and better able to afford care than many other patients.
A review of 21 clinical trials found that post-treatment exercise was associated with a 23% lower risk of death and a 17% lower risk of cancer recurrence.
The trials included 8,449 patients across Asia, Australia, Europe and North America, with most participants having breast or colorectal cancer.
Benefits were strongest among patients who completed at least 70% of their prescribed exercise sessions.
Aerobic exercise, alone or combined with resistance training, was linked to survival benefits, while resistance training alone was not significantly protective.
Researchers cautioned that trial participants were generally fitter, better educated and more able to afford care than average patients.
- Who
- Cancer patients who exercised after treatment, along with researchers led by Chih-Chen Tzang, were the focus of the review.
- What
- A review found that planned, regular exercise after cancer treatment was associated with lower risks of death and recurrence.
- When
- The findings were reported and published on Tuesday; the review examined post-treatment exercise.
- Where
- The 21 trials were conducted in Asia, Australia, Europe and North America.
- Why
- Researchers evaluated whether exercise after treatment could improve survival and reduce cancer recurrence.
- Studies reviewed
- 21 clinical trials
- Participants
- 8,449 cancer patients
- Risk of death
- 23% lower among patients who exercised
- Risk of recurrence
- 17% lower among patients who exercised
- Strongest adherence level
- At least 70% of prescribed exercise sessions
- Exercise types showing benefit
- Aerobic exercise and aerobic exercise combined with resistance training
- Publication
- British Journal of Sports Medicine