A LARGE pooled analysis published in examined whether leisure-time physical activity after cancer diagnosis is associated with improved survival among survivors of less commonly studied cancers.
The study combined data from six major prospective cohorts: the Cancer Prevention Study-II Nutrition Cohort, Health Professionals Follow-Up Study, NIH–AARP Diet and Health Study, Nurses’ Health Study, Nurses’ Health Study II, and the Women’s Health Study. The analysis included 17,141 survivors of bladder, endometrial, kidney, lung, oral cavity, ovarian, or rectal cancer.
Participants (mean age 67 years; 60% female) had repeated measures of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) before and after diagnosis. Physical activity levels were categorised using metabolic equivalent task hours per week (MET-h/wk). Follow-up averaged 10.9 years.
Physical Activity After Diagnosis Associated with Lower Cancer Mortality
Engagement in even low levels of MVPA (>0 to <7.5 MET-h/wk) after diagnosis was associated with significantly lower cancer mortality among survivors of bladder, endometrial, and lung cancers. Higher activity levels, meeting or exceeding double the recommended guidelines, were associated with reduced mortality in oral and rectal cancer survivors.
Although results for kidney cancer survivors did not reach statistical significance, point estimates suggested a potential protective association.
Notably, lung and rectal cancer survivors who were inactive before diagnosis but met physical activity guidelines after diagnosis experienced significantly lower cancer mortality compared with those who remained inactive.
Clinical Implications for Cancer Survivorship
The findings suggest that moderate to vigorous physical activity may confer survival benefits even among individuals who were previously inactive. The authors conclude that healthcare professionals should actively promote physical activity as part of survivorship care, emphasising its potential role in improving longevity and overall health among people living with and beyond cancer. Importantly, the results support the integration of structured exercise counselling into routine oncology follow-up, reinforcing that it may never be “too late” for patients to benefit from becoming physically active.
Reference
Rees-Punia E et al. Leisure-time physical activity and cancer mortality among cancer survivors. JAMA Netw Open. 2026;9;(2):e2556971.
