Postmenopausal women with a history of cancer may substantially reduce their cardiovascular mortality risk through increased daily physical activity, according to research presented at the American Heart Association's Epidemiology and Prevention | Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health Scientific Sessions 2025. Researchers from the University of California, San Diego analyzed data from approximately 2,500 women aged 63 to 99 who had previously been diagnosed with cancer, tracking participants for about eight years to examine the relationship between physical activity levels and mortality outcomes.
The study revealed significant mortality reductions associated with increased physical activity. Women who achieved 5,000–6,000 steps daily experienced a 40% reduction in all-cause mortality compared to less active participants. Each additional 2,500 daily steps was linked to a 34% decrease in cardiovascular disease mortality risk. Participants who engaged in at least one hour of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day demonstrated even more substantial benefits, with a 40% reduction in all-cause mortality and a 60% reduction in cardiovascular disease mortality.
Lead researcher Eric Hyde emphasized that meaningful risk reductions were evident even when participants walked fewer than 5,000 steps daily, which represents half the commonly recommended 10,000-step target. This finding suggests that achievable levels of physical activity can produce significant health improvements for cancer survivors. The study also identified risks associated with sedentary behavior, with every 102 minutes of daily sitting time corresponding to a 12% increased risk of all-cause mortality and a 30% higher risk of cardiovascular disease death.
These findings align with the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8 recommendations, which highlight physical activity as a crucial component of cardiovascular health. The research underscores the particular importance of movement for cancer survivors, who typically face elevated risks of cardiovascular complications following cancer treatment. The study's implications extend to clinical practice, suggesting that healthcare providers should emphasize physical activity as part of survivorship care plans.
While the research had limitations, including a single measurement of physical activity after cancer diagnosis, it provides valuable insights into potential strategies for improving health outcomes among cancer survivors. The accessibility of walking as an intervention makes these findings particularly relevant for clinical implementation and public health messaging aimed at reducing cardiovascular mortality in this vulnerable population.
