Physical activity ‘can extend lifespans of cancer survivors’

Male cancer survivors can live significantly longer by increasing the amount of exercise and physical activity they get, according to a new study.

The Loyola University Health System study assessed 1,021 men from the Harvard Alumni Health Study who had previously had been diagnosed with cancer. It was found that those who expended more than 12,600 calories per week in physical activity were 48 percent less likely to die of any cause than those who burned fewer than 2,100 calories per week.

More specific data revealed that the most physically active subjects were 38 percent less likely to die of cancer and 49 percent less likely to die of cardiovascular disease during the follow-up period than the least active.

It is well known that physical activity extends longevity among generally healthy cancer-free populations, but there has previously been little research into this trend among cancer survivors.

The researchers concluded: "Physical activity should be actively promoted to such individuals to enhance longevity."

Last month, data from the Eurocare-5 study published in The Lancet Oncology revealed that cancer survival rates have continued to improve in England over the last decade, though progress still needs to be made.