June 3, 2025
A New Report Highlights That Exercise cuts Cancer Reoccurrence and boosts survival rates.
New research shows that prescribing exercise to people recovering from colon cancer can cut the risk of recurrence and boost survival rates by over a third — a finding that could reshape treatment approaches. The study, partly funded by Cancer Research UK, was presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology and reinforces what oncologists have long suspected: physical activity can play a powerful role in both treating and preventing cancer.
Evidence from 2019 showed that physically active breast cancer survivors were up to 40% less likely to die from the disease, with early findings showing a similar 30% drop in mortality for men with prostate cancer.
While much of this data comes from observational studies — which can’t prove causation — the consistency of results and the biological mechanisms identified suggest that exercise is more than just a helpful extra. It could be a critical part of cancer recovery and long-term survival.
Why Exercise Helps Prevent and Treat Cancer
Exercise offers a range of benefits that make it both preventive and therapeutic when it comes to cancer. It strengthens the immune system, lowers inflammation, helps maintain a healthy weight, regulates hormones that can drive tumor growth, and speeds up digestion—reducing the time carcinogens stay in the bowel.
For those already diagnosed, being physically fit can also improve outcomes from treatments like surgery or chemotherapy. In fact, some cancer centres now provide “prehab” programs—diet and exercise plans designed to boost patients’ fitness before treatment, improving recovery and long-term results.
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