New research suggests that increasing daily steps and engaging in regular physical activity may significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality among postmenopausal women with a history of cancer. The findings, presented at the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Epidemiology and Prevention | Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health Scientific Sessions 2025, highlight how even moderate increases in movement can have substantial heart health benefits for cancer survivors.
Physical Activity’s Impact on Cardiovascular and Overall Mortality
The study analyzed data from nearly 2,500 postmenopausal women (ages 63 to 99, average age 74) with a history of cancer. Researchers found that higher levels of physical activity were associated with a lower risk of both cardiovascular and all-cause mortality over an eight-year follow-up period.
Key findings include:
- Each additional 2,500 daily steps was linked to a 34% reduction in cardiovascular mortality risk.
- Engaging in one hour per day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was associated with a 60% reduction in cardiovascular mortality risk and a 40% reduction in all-cause mortality.
- Even lower amounts of exercise than current guidelines recommend still provided meaningful health benefits.
- Sedentary behavior was associated with an increased mortality risk—every additional 102 minutes of sitting per day was linked to a 30% higher risk of cardiovascular mortality.
These findings reinforce the importance of movement at any level, offering a simple yet effective strategy to improve long-term health outcomes in cancer survivors.
Why This Matters for Cancer Survivors
Cancer survivors face a higher risk of cardiovascular disease due to factors such as cancer treatments, aging, and traditional risk factors. While structured exercise programs are beneficial, this study highlights that even everyday activities—such as walking more and sitting less—can contribute to improved cardiovascular health.
Notably, the greatest benefits were observed in participants who walked between 5,000 and 6,000 steps per day, yet significant health improvements were seen even at lower levels of activity. This underscores the message that "every step counts" and that survivors should be encouraged to integrate movement into their daily routines, regardless of intensity.
Bridging Research to Clinical Practice
The AHA and CDC recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week, but this study suggests that even smaller increases in movement can be beneficial for cancer survivors. Given the evidence that prolonged sitting increases mortality risk, healthcare providers should emphasize both increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary time as part of survivorship care plans.
While these findings are promising, it is important to note that the research is still preliminary and has not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal. However, the results align with established recommendations for heart health and provide a strong rationale for integrating physical activity counseling into routine oncology and cardiology care.
By encouraging small, manageable lifestyle changes, clinicians can empower cancer survivors to take proactive steps in protecting their heart health and improving their overall well-being.
References
- American Heart Association. (2025). Walking, moving more may lower risk of cardiovascular death for women with cancer history. Retrieved from https://newsroom.heart.org/news/walking-moving-more-may-lower-risk-of-cardiovascular-death-for-women-with-cancer-history
- Healthline. (n.d.). Walking regular movement may improve heart health for female cancer survivors. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health-news/walking-regular-movement-may-improve-heart-health-female-cancer-survivors