A recent study discovered that engaging in moderate daily exercise can significantly reduce the risk of death from cardiovascular disease among female cancer survivors. This finding is particularly important as cancer survivors are more susceptible to developing heart-related conditions. By incorporating more physical activity and reducing sedentary time, individuals can easily lower their risk of cardiovascular disease.
Maintaining an active lifestyle and limiting sedentary behaviors are crucial for reducing cardiovascular disease risk, especially for older female cancer survivors. Researchers have found strong evidence showing that increasing daily physical activity can have a protective effect on heart health for this group. Whether through dedicated exercise sessions or achieving daily step goals through walking, moderate daily exercise has been shown to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease-related death in postmenopausal cancer survivors.
Presented at the American Heart Association’s Epidemiology and Prevention | Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health Scientific Sessions 2025, this preliminary research has not yet been peer-reviewed or published. What is particularly promising is that exercising at levels below current recommendations still yields significant benefits, highlighting the importance of any amount of physical activity in improving health outcomes. This study underscores the importance of encouraging cancer survivors to be less sedentary and to take more steps in their daily routines to promote long-term survival.
The research team, led by Eric Hyde, PhD, MPH from the University of California, San Diego, analyzed data from almost 2,500 female cancer survivors who wore fitness trackers for up to a week. The participants, aged between 63 and 99 with an average age of 74, had different types of cancer, with breast cancer being the most common. The study found that engaging in one hour of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily reduced the risk of death by 40% and the risk of cardiovascular disease-related death by 60%.
These findings are crucial for the health and well-being of cancer survivors, emphasizing the importance of incorporating regular physical activity into their daily routines. By following CDC and AHA guidelines of getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity weekly, individuals can significantly improve their heart health and overall quality of life.
The study revealed that the greatest benefit from exercise was observed in participants who achieved 5,000-6,000 steps per day, resulting in a 40% decrease in the risk of death. This is notably lower than the commonly recommended 10,000 steps per day, suggesting that the optimal number of steps may vary based on age. However, increasing daily steps by an additional 2,500 was associated with a further 34% reduction in the risk of death from cardiovascular disease.
Conversely, sedentary behavior was linked to poorer health outcomes. For each 102 minutes of sitting per day, the risk of death from all causes increased by 12%, and the risk of cardiovascular disease-related death rose by 30%.
The study highlighted the shift in advice for cancer patients, emphasizing the benefits of physical activity. Moving more and sitting less is crucial for enhancing the well-being of cancer survivors. Prioritizing health and time management is key to reaching daily activity goals. Integrating movement into daily routines rather than viewing exercise as a separate activity is recommended.
Various strategies were suggested to increase activity and reduce sitting, such as incorporating movement while on the phone and linking exercise to daily habits like meals or entertainment. Joining social groups for exercise can help individuals stay motivated, especially for cancer survivors experiencing fatigue.
Regular physical activity is highlighted as an effective way to boost energy levels, even in small doses. The study underscored the positive impact of moderate exercise and achieving 5,000 steps per day in reducing the risk of death from all causes and cardiovascular disease among postmenopausal female cancer survivors. Conversely, prolonged sitting was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease-related death. Remember, every bit of exercise counts, and benefits can be realized even with less activity than the current guidelines recommend.
