Global Health 2026-02-20 19:30

Study Finds: It's Never Too Late For Cancer Patients To Become Active

A new study pooling data from over 17,000 cancer survivors found that becoming more active after a diagnosis, even if previously inactive, significantly reduces mortality risk. Experts emphasize that physical activity positively impacts patient well-being and cancer trajectory before, during, and after treatment.

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Study Finds: It's Never Too Late For Cancer Patients To Become Active

Exercise: A Potent Prescription for Cancer Recovery

A new study published in February 2026 brings encouraging news for cancer patients: it's never too late to start increasing physical activity at any stage of the cancer journey, and doing so offers significant survival benefits.

Key Research Findings

The research team, led by Dr. Erika Rees-Punia of the American Cancer Society, pooled data from six large-scale studies, tracking over 17,000 cancer survivors with an average age of 67. The key conclusions are:

  • Survival Benefit from Activity: Survivors who increased their physical activity after diagnosis had a significantly reduced risk of death.
  • Starting Point Doesn't Matter: Becoming active after diagnosis was effective even for those who were inactive before.
  • Consistency is Crucial: The study found that previously active people who quit exercising after their diagnosis did not show a significantly reduced mortality risk.

Expert Insight: An Exercise Prescription for the Entire Journey

Dr. Susan Maltser, Director of the Cancer Rehabilitation Program at Northwell Health and Vice Chair for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Zucker School of Medicine (not involved in the study), agrees. She stated in a news release, "Physical activity has a significant benefit to cancer patients at any stage in their cancer journey."

Dr. Maltser explained, "We know that before they start treatment, during treatment, after treatment and for life, physical activity and exercise have a significant impact not just on their well-being, but a lot of times, in their cancer trajectory." She described, "After cancer treatments, you've been knocked down. We lose muscle mass from very little activity, so building that muscle mass up is important."

Practical Advice for Patients

Dr. Maltser gives each of her patients a detailed "exercise prescription," specifying what they should do and how often. For those just starting, she recommends:

  • Start Small: Begin with a daily walk if you've been inactive.
  • Incorporate into Daily Life: Park farther away, carry groceries instead of using a cart, bend your knees to pick up objects—these all count.
  • Accumulate "Activity Units": Think of these daily movements as accumulating healthy "units."

"And for those who do exercise, we have evidence-based science showing that what they're doing is really important and just to keep it up," Dr. Maltser concluded.