The Research Rundown

Welcome to The Research Rundown—your weekly dose of science-backed insight on how exercise impacts cancer recovery, survivorship, and recurrence. We break down the latest studies into clear, actionable takeaways to help you become Stronger Than Cancer. 

 How Exercise Changes the Tumor – And Why That Matters for Cancer Survivors

When we think of exercise, we often imagine the benefits: better mood, more energy, stronger muscles. But what if we told you that exercise can actually change a tumor from the inside out?

Researchers Pedersen, Christensen, and Hojman at the University of Copenhagen have shown in animal studies that exercise doesn’t just make us healthier — it can alter the tumor’s own physiology in ways that make it less dangerous.

Let’s break that down.

~ Published April 2020

Physical Activity Reduces the Risk of Recurrence and Mortality in Cancer Patients

In this comprehensive review, Brown and Gilmore explore how physical activity may directly influence cancer outcomes—specifically recurrence and mortality. Drawing on decades of observational data, they note that cancer survivors who are physically active after diagnosis experience:

  • A 45% reduced risk of cancer recurrence

  • A 37% reduction in cancer-related mortality

~ Published April 2020

Exercise, Diet, and Weight Management During Cancer Treatment: ASCO Guideline

This American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) clinical practice guideline—led by experts from top institutions—reviews over 50 systematic reviews and 23 randomized controlled trials to determine how exercise, diet, and weight management impact patients during active cancer treatment (chemo, radiation, surgery).

~ Published May 2022

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