New research shows: active lifestyle most beneficial for breast cancer

The greatest effect on survival is achieved by walking for half an hour every day. Walking can also be replaced by cycling, jogging, or swimming, or you can alternate between these activities. The most important thing is that you do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (walking, swimming, cycling, running) every week. That amounts to half an hour of walking per day, but you can also divide it up differently, for example, two hours of walking plus 20 minutes of cycling or swimming. You can divide the 150 minutes as you wish and according to what you enjoy doing most. Moderate intensity means that you sweat slightly and your heart rate increases. The steps you take at home are not included in this and have a much lower impact.

Biggest advantage for breast cancer

At the end of 2025, a new large-scale review study* was published on the effects of exercise on the survival of cancer patients. In addition to breast cancer, these effects were also measured in people with prostate, colon, lung, or skin cancer. In total, data from nearly 1.5 million cancer patients were evaluated. The greatest impact of exercise was observed for breast cancer: women and men with breast cancer who are physically active for at least 150 minutes per week have a 30% lower risk of dying from breast cancer. The lowest impact is for skin cancer: exercise after diagnosis has virtually no effect on survival. There is a benefit for lung, colon, and prostate cancer, but it is less significant than for breast cancer.

Not for everyone

At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise is also the exercise standard for healthy people. They often fail to meet this standard. For breast cancer patients, it is usually even more difficult. Side effects, such as joint pain and brain fog, can be a major hindrance. That is why it is important to join a walking group, such as the Pink Ribbon , or to participate in an oncology rehabilitation program. The effort is worthwhile and can really make a difference.

*Ungvari Z, Fekete M, Varga P et al. Exercise and survival benefit in cancer patients: evidence from a comprehensive meta-analysis. Geroscience. 2025 Jun;47(3):5235-5255.