Exercise May Lower Cancer-Related Death Risk in Cancer Survivors

Study finds physical activity can improve survival outcomes for cancer patients, underscoring its importance in cancer care across communities.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A new study shows that cancer survivors who engage in regular physical activity can lower their risk of cancer-related death. The research found that even small amounts of exercise can provide benefits, with the risk of death dropping further as activity levels increase. The findings highlight the importance of exercise as a crucial component of cancer care, especially for Black cancer survivors who face unique disparities in outcomes.

Why it matters

While cancer affects people of all backgrounds, Black Americans can experience unique and persistent disparities in cancer outcomes. Improving physical activity rates among Black cancer survivors may help lower some of these survival disparities, but support systems, culturally relevant programs, and efforts to remove environmental and social barriers are essential to make that change possible.

The details

The study, published in JAMA Network Open, pooled data from six large-scale studies tracking more than 17,000 cancer survivors with an average age of 67. About 49% of the survivors had been diagnosed with early or mid-stage cancer, with bladder (24%), endometrial (22%), and lung (18%) cancers accounting for more than half of the patients. The results showed that any amount of physical activity lowered the risk of cancer death by 33% for bladder cancer patients, 38% for those with endometrial cancer, and 44% for people with lung cancer. As exercise levels rose, the risk of death fell for many types of cancer. Lung and rectal cancer survivors who started working out after their diagnosis also had a 42% and 49% lower risk of death, respectively, compared to survivors who didn't exercise before or after diagnosis.

  • The study was published on February 17, 2026.

The players

Erika Rees-Punia

A senior principal scientist with the American Cancer Society and the lead researcher of the study.

Dr. Susan Maltser

Vice chair for physical medicine and rehabilitation at the Zucker School of Medicine in Uniondale, New York, and director of the Cancer Rehabilitation Program at Northwell Health in Hempstead, New York.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Physical activity has a significant benefit to cancer patients at any stage in their cancer journey.”

— Dr. Susan Maltser, Vice chair for physical medicine and rehabilitation at the Zucker School of Medicine and director of the Cancer Rehabilitation Program at Northwell Health (News release)

“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.”

— Dr. Susan Maltser, Vice chair for physical medicine and rehabilitation at the Zucker School of Medicine and director of the Cancer Rehabilitation Program at Northwell Health (News release)

“After cancer treatments, you've been knocked down. We lose muscle mass from very little activity, so building that muscle mass up is important.”

— Dr. Susan Maltser, Vice chair for physical medicine and rehabilitation at the Zucker School of Medicine and director of the Cancer Rehabilitation Program at Northwell Health (News release)

What’s next

Researchers recommend that cancer survivors start small with physical activity, such as taking daily walks, and gradually increase their exercise levels. Healthcare providers should also prescribe exercise regimens tailored to each patient's specific needs and abilities.

The takeaway

The findings suggest that even moderate exercise can improve survival outcomes for cancer survivors, underscoring the importance of physical activity as a crucial component of cancer care across all communities. For Black cancer survivors, improving physical activity rates may help lower some of the survival disparities seen across racial groups, but support systems, culturally relevant programs, and efforts to remove environmental and social barriers are essential to make that change possible.