The type of exercise that could help cancer patients live for longer

Cancer patients who integrate structured physical activity into their routine medical treatment could live for longer and have more time free of disease, research indicates.

According to researchers, physical activity offers potential advantages that "extend beyond its traditional role in improving quality of life".

The comprehensive review, conducted by specialists in Taiwan, examined 21 separate trials across Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America, encompassing more than 8,400 individuals.

Participants were aged between 47 and 64, with breast, bowel, and pancreatic cancers representing the most widespread diagnoses.

The findings demonstrate that individuals incorporating an exercise regimen into standard care faced a 23 per cent lower risk of mortality and were 17 per cent less likely to experience a cancer recurrence before death compared to non-exercisers.

Further evaluations revealed these patients also had a 26 per cent reduced risk of dying from cancer specifically, as well as a 17 per cent lower overall mortality risk.

This positive association was most pronounced in individuals who achieved a minimum 70 per cent completion rate of their programme.

Furthermore, interventions combining aerobic routines with resistance exercises yielded positive results, whereas resistance training on its own "showed no significant effect".

This may reflect the “biological adaptations” sparked by these different exercises, researchers said.

Structured exercises may be an “effective” add-on therapy in cancer care, according to the study, with “potential survival and recurrence benefits that extend beyond its traditional role in improving quality of life”.

The findings, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, “suggest that the benefits of exercise extend beyond symptom management to clinically meaningful oncological outcomes”, researchers said.

They added: “These results suggest that structured exercise in patients with cancer extends beyond supportive, symptomatic care and is associated with improved survival and recurrence-related outcomes.”

Michelle Mitchell, Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, 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.

“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.”

Claire Taylor, chief nursing officer at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “Being physically active can have real benefits for people living with cancer, from helping to improve strength and fitness and manage tiredness, to supporting mental wellbeing.

“Being active doesn’t have to mean going to the gym or doing something strenuous. Walking, gardening or gentle movement can all count, and even small amounts of activity can make a difference.

“Everyone’s experience of cancer is different, so it’s important to find something that feels manageable and right for you. If you’re unsure what’s safe, speak to your cancer team or GP for advice.”