A new study suggests that exercise may significantly enhance survival outcomes for cancer patients, potentially rivaling the benefits of certain medications. Researchers from National Taiwan University reviewed existing research and found that patients who engaged in physical activity during their treatment were up to 26 percent less likely to die within five years compared to those who remained inactive. Additionally, the risk of cancer recurrence dropped by 17 percent among those who exercised.
The findings were published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine and highlight the role of structured exercise in supporting cancer care. According to the study authors, physical activity strengthens cardiovascular health, boosts the immune system, and can improve the delivery of drugs to tumours, thereby complementing conventional therapeutic approaches.
The review analysed 21 previous studies that collectively suggest exercise is associated with significant improvements in overall survival rates for cancer patients. Lead author Chih-Chen Tzang noted that these results warrant recommending structured exercise as an integral part of oncological treatment plans.
In the United Kingdom, where more than 400,000 people receive a cancer diagnosis annually, these findings may influence future clinical guidelines. The researchers emphasized that exercise should be tailored and safely incorporated into patient care, reinforcing the potential for fitness to enhance the effectiveness of medical treatments and improve quality of life for those undergoing cancer therapy.