Aerobic Exercise Proven to Reduce Cancer Mortality Risk by Up to 29 Percent

Regular aerobic exercise not only benefits general fitness but also significantly increases the life expectancy of cancer patients post-treatment. A meta-analysis study published in the September 2025 edition of the British Journal of Sports Medicine reveals that structured physical activity can reduce the risk of cancer-related death by up to 29 percent and suppress the likelihood of recurrence by 17 percent.

The research, which analyzed 21 randomized controlled trials with a total of 8,449 participants, found that the strongest protective effect appeared in patients undergoing pure aerobic exercise, followed by a combination of aerobic and strength training. Meanwhile, single resistance training did not show statistical significance for improving cancer outcomes.

According to Diana Garrett, a physical therapy specialist from Providence Saint John’s Health Center, exercise works as a systemic intervention affecting the heart, blood vessels, and immune system. "Aerobic exercise increases cardiac output and circulatory efficiency, while also stimulating immune activity crucial for patients with a history of cancer," she told Medical News Today.

Nevertheless, Garrett cautioned that these findings should not be interpreted to mean that advanced-stage cancer patients do not benefit. "Studies involving advanced-stage patients have smaller samples and often face difficulties adhering to exercise programs due to more intensive therapies," she explained. She emphasized the need for an individualized approach in prescribing exercise, considering treatment history, cardiovascular conditions, and long-term side effects.

"Exercise triggers complex cellular and tissue changes. The hypothesis is that physical activity can disrupt cancer cell metabolism and strengthen the effectiveness of antitumor immune cells," said Mike Lattanzi, an oncologist from Texas Oncology.

For Indonesia, these findings are relevant given the increasing burden of cancer. Globocan 2020 data shows 396,914 new cancer cases and 234,511 cancer-related deaths in the country. Meanwhile, awareness of the importance of post-treatment physical rehabilitation remains low. Programs such as cancer gymnastics or guided aerobic exercises in hospitals have not yet become standard services.

Public health experts believe these study results can serve as a basis for integrating exercise into national oncology protocols. "We need to encourage hospitals and community health centers to provide physical activity counseling for cancer survivors, not just focus on medical treatment," said an unnamed researcher from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia.

Moving forward, the question is how ready Indonesia's healthcare system is to adopt this holistic approach? With the increasing number of cancer survivors, investment in community-based rehabilitation programs could be a strategic step to reduce mortality rates and improve quality of life.