Exercise can significantly improve cancer survival rates by reducing the risk of cancer recurrence and mortality, enhancing immune function, and directly suppressing cancer cell growth. Both aerobic and resistance exercises, including high-intensity interval training (HIIT), have been shown to activate biological mechanisms that help fight cancer and improve outcomes for cancer patients and survivors.
When a person exercises, their muscles release special signaling molecules called myokines. Some of these myokines have anti-cancer properties—they can inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Studies have demonstrated that even a single session of resistance training or HIIT can increase levels of these anti-cancer myokines, such as IL-6 and decorin, which suppress cancer cell proliferation. HIIT, in particular, has shown a stronger effect in reducing cancer cell growth compared to other exercise types. This suggests that exercise is not just beneficial for general health but may actively contribute to lowering the chances of cancer returning after treatment.
Beyond the direct effects on cancer cells, exercise also boosts the immune system, which plays a crucial role in controlling cancer. Physical activity enhances both innate immunity (the body’s first line of defense) and adaptive immunity (which targets specific threats). For example, exercise increases the number and activity of natural killer (NK) cells, which can identify and destroy cancer cells. It also improves the function of other immune cells like lymphocytes and dendritic cells, which help coordinate the body’s defense against tumors. These immune improvements are observed in various forms of exercise, including aerobic, resistance, and mind-body activities.
Exercise also helps cancer patients tolerate treatments better and recover faster. Programs that prepare patients physically and mentally before treatment—known as prehabilitation—can improve cardiovascular fitness, reduce treatment-related fatigue, and alleviate side effects like neurotoxicity. This preparation can lead to better treatment outcomes and quality of life during and after cancer therapy.
Epidemiological evidence supports the survival benefits of exercise for cancer patients. People who remain physically active after a cancer diagnosis have a significantly lower risk of dying from cancer compared to those who are less active. For instance, breast and colorectal cancer survivors who engage in regular physical activity post-diagnosis show a reduction in all-cause and cancer-specific mortality by up to 28%. The protective effect is often stronger for activity after diagnosis than before, highlighting the importance of maintaining exercise habits during survivorship.
Different types of exercise contribute uniquely to cancer outcomes. Aerobic exercise improves cardiovascular health and endurance, which is vital for overall well-being and treatment tolerance. Resistance training builds muscle strength and counters cancer-related muscle loss, which can improve physical function and reduce fatigue. HIIT combines bursts of intense activity with rest periods, maximizing the release of anti-cancer myokines and enhancing metabolic health. Incorporating a mix of these exercises can provide comprehensive benefits.
While aerobic exercise may only minimally improve cardiorespiratory fitness in some cancer survivors, such as those treated with certain chemotherapy drugs, its role in immune enhancement and quality of life remains important. Exercise oncology research continues to explore how different exercise intensities and modalities affect survival and disease progression in various cancers, including prostate cancer, where vigorous post-diagnosis activity has been linked to improved survival rates.
In summary, exercise acts on multiple fronts to improve cancer survival: it directly inhibits cancer cell growth through myokine release, strengthens the immune system’s ability to fight cancer, enhances patients’ physical resilience to treatment, and reduces the risk of recurrence and mortality. These benefits make exercise a powerful, accessible, and non-pharmacological strategy that should be integrated into cancer care and survivorship plans.
