By Dr. Bruce Nakfoor, Founder
The well-known benefits of exercise – such as stronger muscles, improved heart health, better sleep and weight management – now include a powerful addition: enhanced survival and reduced recurrence for cancer survivors.
This summer, the American Cancer Society (ACS) published new research in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute showing that regular physical activity after a cancer diagnosis significantly improves long-term health outcomes. This study confirms what Inspire Exercise Medicine has
advocated since its founding in 2021 – exercise is essential not only for recovery, but for ongoing
survivorship.
“For decades, it’s been known that consistent exercise can help people live healthier lives,” said Dr. Erika Rees-Punia, senior principal scientist,
population science research at the American Cancer Society and lead author of the study. “Our findings bring more critical evidence that being physically active after a cancer diagnosis can bring a meaningful impact on your likelihood of survival.”
Groundbreaking Findings from the ACS
The ACS conducted the largest study to date exploring how physical activity after a cancer
diagnosis affects survival. With a sample of over 90,000 cancer survivors, the study tracked outcomes for individuals with 10 types of cancer:
• Bladder
• Breast
• Colon
• Endometrial
• Kidney
• Lung
• Oral
• Prostate
• Rectal
• Respiratory
Typically, once cancer patients complete radiation, chemotherapy, surgery or another form of treatment, they ring the bell to signify their cancer is gone and only see their doctor for routine check-ins. Instead, the study suggests that doctors should prescribe exercise to cancer survivors to improve their overall health and wellness.
The results? Clear evidence that moderate-to-vigorous exercise after a cancer diagnosis is associated with longer survival and a 40-60% lower risk of recurrence.
When Should Cancer Patients Start Exercising?
The ACS encourages patients to begin exercising during treatment, not just after. Prolonged rest can lead to muscle loss, reduced mobility and diminished function, making recovery more difficult. Even small amounts of physical activity can help.
“This can make exercise feel like a daunting task,” said Rees-Punia. “But doing some exercise is better than none.”
What Types of Exercises Are Recommended?
The ACS advises cancer survivors to aim for 2.5 to 5 hours of moderate-intensity activity per week. The best outcomes often result from a combination of both resistance training as well as aerobic training such as brisk walking, cycling or swimming.
These exercises support circulation, stamina, cardiovascular function and muscle strength resulting in a stronger immune system, reduced inflammation and lower risk of cancer recurrence.
Why Medically Supervised Exercise Matters
Multiple studies and systematic reviews have demonstrated that supervised exercise programs – those led by trained professionals and often integrated with the patient’s oncology care team – yield superior outcomes compared to unsupervised or home-based exercise.
Inspire Exercise Medicine’s supervised exercise prescriptions are geared toward each patient’s individual health status, cancer type, treatment history and personal goals. Each participant begins with a comprehensive assessment, including tests like bioelectrical impedance analysis, physical
performance evaluations and a six-minute walk test. From there, performance coaches collaborate with a member’s medical team to create a safe, effective exercise regimen.
This personalized approach means that no two exercise plans are alike. For example, a 40-year-old colon cancer survivor will have different needs than a 75-year-old lung cancer survivor, even if they share similar treatment backgrounds. The same holds true for patients with the same cancer type but with different physical capabilities.
Conclusion
The ACS study reinforces what many cancer specialists and rehabilitation experts already believe: exercise is not just helpful… it’s
life-extending. For survivors, incorporating structured, supervised physical activity into their routine is one of the most powerful steps they can take toward better health.
And as Inspire Exercise Medicine reminds all its members: It’s never too late to start exercising!
Dr. Bruce Nakfoor
Dr. Bruce Nakfoor is a board-certified radiation oncologist who trained at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School and founder of both Inspire Oncology and Inspire Exercise Medicine. Additional information about the benefits of exercise to manage cancer and chronic disease is available at InspireExerciseMedicine.com.
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