A groundbreaking study suggests that postmenopausal women with a cancer history can substantially lower their risk of cardiovascular mortality by increasing daily physical activity, with benefits emerging at surprisingly low levels of movement.
Researchers from the University of California, San Diego analyzed data from nearly 2,500 women aged 63 to 99 with a history of cancer, tracking their physical activity and mortality rates over approximately eight years. The study found that incrementally increasing daily steps and engaging in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity could dramatically reduce the risk of death from cardiovascular disease.
Key findings revealed that participants who logged 5,000-6,000 steps per day experienced a 40% reduction in all-cause mortality risk. Each additional 2,500 daily steps was associated with a 34% decrease in cardiovascular disease mortality risk. Notably, these benefits were observed well below the often-cited 10,000 steps per day benchmark.
The research is particularly significant for cancer survivors, who face an elevated risk of cardiovascular complications. By demonstrating that meaningful health improvements can be achieved through modest increases in physical activity, the study offers a practical and accessible strategy for improving long-term health outcomes.
Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity showed even more pronounced benefits. Participants engaging in at least one hour of such activity daily reduced their all-cause mortality risk by 40% and cardiovascular disease mortality risk by 60%. These findings underscore the potential of relatively simple lifestyle interventions to mitigate health risks.
The study also highlighted the dangers of prolonged sedentary behavior. Each additional 102 minutes of daily sitting was associated with a 12% increase in all-cause mortality and a 30% higher risk of cardiovascular disease death.
Lead researcher Eric Hyde emphasized that the findings provide a more nuanced understanding of physical activity's role in cancer survivors' health. The accessibility of step counting through modern wearable devices makes this approach particularly appealing and easy to implement.
While the study has limitations, including a lack of detailed information about cancer stages and treatment histories, it represents a significant step in understanding how lifestyle modifications can support cancer survivors' long-term health. Future research will likely explore how physical activity patterns at different stages of cancer diagnosis and treatment might influence survival outcomes.
