Exercise and survival benefit in cancer patients: evidence from a comprehensive meta-analysis
Abstract
Cancer remains a major global health challenge, and growing evidence suggests that physical activity is a key modifiable factor that may improve survival outcomes in cancer patients. However, a comprehensive, large-scale synthesis of the effects of post-diagnosis physical activity across multiple cancer types remains lacking. This meta-analysis aims to systematically evaluate the association between physical activity and survival in patients diagnosed with breast, lung, prostate, colorectal, and skin cancers. We conducted a comprehensive search in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library for studies on physical activity and cancer survival. Eligible studies (January 2000–November 2024) included adults (≥ 18 years) with breast, lung, prostate, colorectal, or skin cancer. Only prospective cohort and case–control studies reporting hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for overall or cancer-specific mortality were included, with a minimum sample size of 100 and at least six months of follow-up. Meta-analysis was performed using metaanalysisonline.com, applying random-effects models and assessing heterogeneity via the I2 statistic. Sensitivity analyses and publication bias (Egger’s test, funnel plots) were evaluated. The meta-analysis included 151 cohorts with almost 1.5 million cancer patients. Post-diagnosis physical activity was associated with significantly lower cancer-specific mortality across all five cancer types. The greatest benefit was…
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