This Simple Well-Researched Habit Cuts Cancer Death Risk By Nearly 50%

A closer look at the study

The study1 analyzed data from 28,248 cancer patients enrolled in South Africa’s Discovery Health Medical Scheme. All participants were part of the Vitality health promotion program, which tracked their physical activity through fitness devices, gym visits, and organized events.

Researchers examined the relationship between physical activity levels before a cancer diagnosis and subsequent disease progression and survival rates. Participants were grouped into three categories:

Results: more movement, better outcomes

Even modest exercise proved to be a game-changer:

These benefits persisted over time: at five years, survival rates were 84% for inactive participants, 90% for those with low activity, and 91% for moderate to high activity.

The biology of exercise & cancer

How does exercise help? Researchers suggest several mechanisms:

The takeaway

As cancer remains a significant health concern, this research underscores the role of lifestyle changes in both prevention and management. While the study is observational and cannot definitively prove cause and effect, the evidence strongly supports the protective power of movement.

In a world searching for effective ways to combat cancer, perhaps one of the simplest solutions is right under our feet—just one step at a time.