How Staying Active After Cancer Can Help You Live Longer
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Many people believe that once cancer treatment ends, it’s time to just rest and recover quietly. But new research shows that staying physically active—even after being diagnosed with cancer—can play a big role in helping survivors live longer and healthier lives.
What the Study Found
A large study looked at over 11,000 people who had been diagnosed with cancer. Researchers wanted to know if being physically active in their free time after diagnosis had any effect on how long they lived. The results were clear: people who did more physical activity had a lower risk of dying—both from cancer and from other causes like heart disease.
In simple terms, moving your body after cancer helps you live longer.
What Counts as Physical Activity?
You don’t have to run marathons or spend hours at the gym. The study found that even moderate activities made a difference. These include:
- Brisk walking
- Biking at an easy pace
- Light jogging
- Doing chores like gardening or cleaning
The key is to be consistent and do these activities regularly during your free time, not just at work or while commuting.
How Much Activity Is Enough?
The people who got the most benefit did about 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of intense exercise each week. That breaks down to around 30 minutes a day, five times a week.
But even doing less than that still helped! Any amount of activity was better than none. So if you’re just starting out, aim to move more today than you did yesterday.
Why Does It Help?
Being active can:
- Strengthen your heart and lungs
- Improve your immune system
- Reduce stress and improve mood
- Help control weight and blood sugar
- Lower inflammation in the body
All of these benefits can make your body stronger and better able to fight off illness, including cancer recurrence.
What If You’ve Never Been Active Before?
It’s never too late to start. Many people in the study became more active after their cancer diagnosis—and they still saw big benefits. Even light movement like walking around the block or stretching counts.
Start slow, set small goals, and listen to your body. If you’re unsure what’s safe, talk to your doctor or a physical therapist who works with cancer survivors.
Tips to Get Moving
- Make it fun: Choose activities you enjoy like dancing, swimming, or walking with a friend.
- Set reminders: Use your phone or calendar to build activity into your day.
- Start small: Even 10 minutes a day adds up over time.
- Join a group: Many communities have exercise programs for cancer survivors.
- Track your progress: Keep a journal or use an app to stay motivated.
Final Thoughts
Getting regular physical activity after a cancer diagnosis isn’t just good for your heart or weight—it can actually help you live longer. The best part? You don’t have to be a fitness expert. A little movement, done regularly, can go a long way.
So if you or someone you love has been through cancer, remember this: your journey to recovery doesn’t end with treatment. Staying active can be one of the most powerful steps toward a healthier, longer life.