Jan 13, 2025
Study links physical exercise to a lower cancer mortality rate

A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine sought to discover a link between exercise and stopping cancer progression.

The study explored how physical activity levels before a cancer diagnosis affected cancer progression and mortality in South Africans.

exerciseIncluding data from over 28,000 participants with stage 1 cancers, the study found that physical activity before cancer diagnosis was associated with lower mortality and cancer progression.

The authors of the study note that physical activity helps prevent cancer and decrease mortality, based on available evidence. They wanted to examine how physical activity influenced cancer progression in South Africa, as data in this area are lacking.

This research was a retrospective longitudinal observational study. It used anonymized data from people on the medical plan Discovery Health Medical Scheme in South Africa.

All participants were also part of a health promotion program called Vitality. This program is linked to the Discovery Health Medical Scheme and encourages behaviors like physical activity. It also allows physical activity to be recorded through wearable fitness devices and other actions like clocked gym attendance.

Researchers included participants in their analysis who had stage 1 cancer and had been in the Vitality program for at least 1 year before their diagnosis. They also conducted a subanalysis that excluded certain cancer types that were more likely to affect physical activity levels prior to diagnosis.

» ALSO SEE: Walking can add years to your life, study says

The average time participants were in the Vitality program was nine and a half years. Researchers divided participants into three groups based on physical activity levels:

  • none: no recorded physical activity
  • low: 1-59 minutes of recorded physical activity a week
  • moderate to high: 1 hour or more of recorded physical activity a week.

For this study, physical activity meant at least moderate intensity, and researchers assigned participants into categories based on their physical activity in the 12 months before cancer diagnosis, although additional analysis considered earlier activity, too.

To read the full story from Medical News Today, click here. 




Shop see all »



75 Applewood Drive, Suite A
P.O. Box 128
Sparta, MI 49345
616.520.2137
website development by deyo designs
Interested in receiving the print or digital edition of Training & Conditioning?

Subscribe Today »

Be sure to check out our sister site: