Research
Adherence
Postdiagnosis physical activity provides greater protection against cancer mortality than prediagnosis physical activity.
If you are a cancer survivor, starting or increasing physical activity after your diagnosis is highly beneficial. Aim for 15 MET-h/week, which is associated with a 35% lower risk of cancer mortality. This benefit is greater than activity undertaken before diagnosis.
GoodQualifiesMEDIUM confidence
A greater protective effect occurred in cancer survivors undertaking physical activity postdiagnosis versus prediagnosis, where 15 MET-h/week decreased the risk by 35% and 21%, respectively.
Why this rating
Meta-analysis of prospective studies, but observational nature limits causal inference regarding timing.
Source
The dose–response effect of physical activity on cancer mortality: findings from 71 prospective cohort studies
Tingting Li et al. · British Journal of Sports Medicine · 2015
DOI 10.1136/bjsports-2015-094927
Meta-analysis · 71 studiesCited 286×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
More from this paper
- Engaging in a minimum of 2.5 hours per week of moderate-intensity recreational physical activity significantly reduces cancer mortality in the general population.Strong
- Cancer survivors who engage in 15 MET-h/week of physical activity experience a 27% lower risk of cancer mortality compared to inactive survivors.Strong
Related findings · Adherence
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- Resistance exercise is the only intervention capable of consistently restoring muscle function and strength in sarcopenia, partially overcoming age-related anabolic resistance.Strong
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