New research indicates that increased walking and physical activity can significantly decrease the risk of heart disease-related death in female cancer survivors135. The study, presented at the American Heart Association’s Epidemiology and Prevention | Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health Scientific Sessions 2025, highlights the importance of physical activity in improving the long-term health outcomes for this population23.
Key Findings:
Reduced Mortality Risk: Engaging in one hour of moderate to vigorous exercise daily is linked to a 40% decrease in overall mortality risk and a 60% reduction in heart disease-related deaths134.
Step Count Matters: For every additional 2,500 steps taken daily, the risk of heart disease mortality decreases by 34%134. The greatest benefit was seen in women who walked between 5,000 and 6,000 steps daily, resulting in a 40% reduction in overall mortality risk13.
Even a Little Activity Helps: Risk reductions were evident even for participants who walked fewer than 5,000 steps daily, demonstrating that even small increases in physical activity can be beneficial14.
Study Details:
Researchers examined data from nearly 2,500 postmenopausal women between the ages of 63 and 99, collected from studies investigating the link between physical activity and sedentary behavior134. Participants wore accelerometers on their hips for at least 10 hours a day over a week to track their physical activity13. The study followed participants for about eight years and adjusted for factors such as age, race/ethnicity, lifestyle, cancer type, and time since cancer diagnosis3.
Why This Matters:
Cancer survivors face a heightened risk of heart disease due to the challenges posed by cancer and the adverse effects of treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy12. Encouraging more activity and reducing sedentary behavior could prolong survival and reduce cardiovascular disease mortality24.
Eric Hyde, the lead researcher, noted that promoting increased activity and encouraging additional daily steps among cancer survivors could be an effective strategy for extending their lives and lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease mortality134.
American Heart Association Recommendations:
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that adults engage in at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity, such as walking or gardening, or 75 minutes per week of vigorous-intensity exercise, such as running or swimming, or a combination of both123. Physical activity is a crucial component of the AHA’s Life’s Essential 8, which outlines health behaviors that support optimal cardiovascular health12
