84% Inactive: Confronting the Crisis of Physical Inactivity Among Cancer Survivors - Andrea Leonard, MS, CES, CPT
Jun 04, 2025Recent research in 2025 underscores the critical role of physical activity throughout the cancer journey—from diagnosis and treatment to survivorship. Despite growing evidence of its benefits, many cancer patients remain insufficiently active, potentially missing out on improved outcomes and quality of life.
The Problem: Inactivity Among Cancer Patients
A significant proportion of cancer patients fail to meet recommended physical activity guidelines. This inactivity is particularly pronounced among underserved and minority populations. For instance, a Texas-based program found that only 29% of cancer survivors met activity recommendations before intervention, highlighting disparities in access and support.
Evidence-Based Benefits of Exercise Across the Cancer Continuum
1. Pre-Diagnosis and Prehabilitation
Engaging in regular physical activity before a cancer diagnosis can lower the risks of disease progression and mortality. A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that individuals with moderate-to-high levels of physical activity prior to diagnosis had a 27% lower risk of disease progression and a 47% lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to inactive individuals.
2. During Treatment
Exercise during treatment can alleviate side effects and improve treatment efficacy. A meta-analysis published in JAMA Network Open demonstrated that exercise interventions significantly reduced anxiety and depression in older cancer patients, enhancing their health-related quality of life. Mind-body exercises like tai chi and yoga were particularly effective.
3. Post-Treatment and Survivorship
Structured exercise programs post-treatment have been shown to reduce cancer recurrence and mortality. A decade-long international trial involving 899 stage III colon cancer patients revealed that those who participated in a structured exercise regimen experienced a 28% reduction in cancer recurrence and a 37% reduction in mortality over eight years.
Mechanisms: How Exercise Supports Cancer Outcomes
Physical activity benefits cancer patients through multiple mechanisms:
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Immune Function Enhancement: Exercise boosts the immune system's ability to detect and eliminate cancer cells.
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Inflammation Reduction: Regular activity lowers chronic inflammation, a known contributor to cancer progression.
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Hormonal Regulation: Physical activity helps regulate hormones like estrogen and testosterone, reducing the risk of hormone-sensitive cancers.
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Metabolic Health Improvement: Exercise improves insulin sensitivity and reduces obesity-related risks, both linked to cancer development and progression.
Addressing Disparities and Implementing Solutions
To combat inactivity among cancer patients, especially in underserved communities, tailored interventions are essential. Programs like "Active Living After Cancer" have successfully increased physical activity levels among participants by providing community-based support and involving caregivers.
Physical Inactivity Among Cancer Survivors: A Persistent and Costly Problem
Despite mounting evidence on the life-extending and quality-of-life-improving effects of exercise for people with cancer, a majority of survivors are not physically active at recommended levels.
π Current Statistics (as of 2022–2025):
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Only 15.9% of U.S. cancer survivors meet the national guidelines for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity.
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36.7% of cancer survivors report no leisure-time physical activity at all.
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Survivors of cancers with long treatment and recovery periods (e.g., breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer) tend to be even less active post-treatment.
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Disparities exist across racial, socioeconomic, and geographic lines. Minority groups, low-income populations, and rural survivors are among the least active.
These figures come from the National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Trends Progress Report (cancer.gov) and are reinforced by findings in peer-reviewed studies from 2023–2025.
Why This Matters
π¬ Exercise is Not Just Safe—It's Therapeutic
A growing body of research confirms that physical activity is both safe and effective for individuals with cancer—before, during, and after treatment. It plays a vital role in:
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Improving survival outcomes (e.g., up to 47% lower risk of mortality in some cancers)
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Reducing recurrence risk
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Combating cancer-related fatigue
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Preserving muscle mass and bone density
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Enhancing mental health (reduced anxiety and depression)
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Improving cardiovascular health and metabolic function
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), National Cancer Institute (NCI), and American Cancer Society (ACS) now recommend that all cancer patients and survivors engage in regular exercise unless contraindicated. It is essential to work with a health or fitness professional who has received comprehensive training in oncology exercise.
Barriers to Physical Activity in Cancer Populations
Understanding why activity levels remain so low is crucial for intervention:
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Lack of exercise education among oncology care teams
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Fear or misinformation about safety during or after treatment
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Fatigue and depression, which can become a cycle of inactivity
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Financial and transportation barriers
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Limited access to trained cancer exercise specialists
Call to Action
Given that over 17 million cancer survivors live in the U.S. today, and roughly 50 million worldwide—and that number is expected to rise—integrating exercise into standard cancer care is not optional. It’s essential.
Oncology clinics, rehabilitation centers, and community programs must:
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Educate patients on the life-saving benefits of physical activity
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Refer patients to qualified exercise professionals trained in oncology (e.g., CETI OncoVie™ Cancer Exercise Specialists)
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Provide culturally and geographically tailored programs to overcome disparities
With more than 8 out of 10 cancer survivors not meeting physical activity guidelines, the oncology community faces a public health challenge with clear solutions. Exercise is one of the most effective, low-cost interventions available in cancer care—yet it remains underutilized.
Now is the time to move from awareness to action, ensuring every person with cancer has access to safe, effective, and evidence-based physical activity.
REFERENCES
National Cancer Institute. (2022). Cancer Trends Progress Report: Physical Activity After Cancer Diagnosis.
π https://progressreport.cancer.gov/after/physical_activity
→ Only 15.9% of survivors meet both aerobic and muscle-strengthening guidelines; 36.7% report no leisure activity.
O'Donnell, D. M. et al. (2024). Long-term impact of structured exercise on colon cancer recurrence: International trial results.
π AP News Coverage
→ 889 colon cancer patients: Exercise led to a 28% decrease in recurrence and 37% lower mortality over 8 years.
Hughes, D. C., et al. (2023). Exercise as a mental health intervention for cancer patients: Meta-analysis of mind-body practices.
π AJMC Article Summary
→ Tai chi, yoga, and aerobic exercise improve anxiety, depression, and quality of life across multiple cancer types.
Moore, S. C., et al. (2025). Benefit of Regular Physical Activity Prior to Cancer Diagnosis. British Journal of Sports Medicine.
π ASCO Post Summary
→ High physical activity pre-diagnosis associated with 27% lower disease progression and 47% lower all-cause mortality.
National Cancer Institute. (2024). Active Living After Cancer: Addressing disparities in survivorship.
π NCI Blog
→ Only 29% of participants met physical activity guidelines before intervention; disparities linked to socioeconomic status and race.
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Rock, C. L., et al. (2022). American Cancer Society Nutrition and Physical Activity Guidelines for Cancer Survivors.
π ACS Journals
→ Calls for routine physical activity counseling and integration into survivorship care planning.
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