A groundbreaking study from the American Cancer Society has revealed that maintaining physical activity after a cancer diagnosis significantly increases survival chances for patients with a wide range of cancers, including those where such evidence was previously scarce. Published in the reputable Journal of the National Cancer Institute, the research is being hailed as a vital step in shaping survivorship care and public health policy for millions worldwide, including the thousands of Thai cancer survivors seeking guidance on life after treatment (mcknights.com).
This large-scale study tracked over 90,000 American cancer survivors for nearly 11 years, making it one of the most comprehensive examinations yet of post-diagnosis lifestyle and outcomes. Researchers found that individuals who adhered to recommended physical activity guidelines—specifically, engaging in about 2.5 to 5 hours of brisk walking or equivalent moderate-to-vigorous activity per week—demonstrated markedly better overall survival compared to those who remained inactive following their cancer diagnosis. Survival benefits spanned ten major cancer types: bladder, breast, colon, endometrial, kidney, lung, oral cavity, prostate, rectal, and respiratory system cancers.
Lead author Dr. Erika Rees-Punia, Senior Principal Scientist at the American Cancer Society, emphasized the importance of these findings for cancer management. “Our findings bring more critical evidence that being physically active after a cancer diagnosis can bring a meaningful impact on your likelihood of survival,” she stated, underscoring that exercise is beneficial even for those experiencing challenging side effects from treatment. Dr. Rees-Punia further encouraged patients: “Doing some exercise is better than doing none. Finding an activity you enjoy or pairing up with a friend can help make it feel more doable,” she advised (mcknights.com - study summary).
The research team meticulously adjusted their analysis for age, sex, cancer stage, and treatment history, ensuring an accurate reflection of exercise’s specific benefit independent of other risk factors. Notably, the study provides the strongest evidence to date of survival benefits for individuals with bladder, kidney, and oral cavity cancers—cancers that previously lacked robust data connecting physical activity to improved outcomes.
For Thai cancer survivors and healthcare professionals, this study arrives at a critical juncture. Cancer is the leading cause of death in Thailand, with increasing lives impacted each year (National Cancer Institute Thailand). Until now, most survivorship advice for Thais has focused on post-treatment monitoring and follow-up medical care. The new evidence illuminates a clear, actionable opportunity for improving survival by incorporating achievable movement into daily life. Thai oncologists and physical therapists working in public hospitals, such as those within the Ministry of Public Health, often advocate for gentle movement to manage fatigue and restore strength, but guidelines on the amount and type of activity have varied. These robust international findings can now better inform Thai clinical practice and survivorship counselling.
Physical activity guidelines, as supported by the study, align with recommendations from the World Health Organization and Thailand’s own Ministry of Public Health: at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity for adults. For cancer survivors, this could include brisk walking in community parks, cycling, low-impact aerobics, or even traditional Thai dancing—all of which are accessible across Bangkok and provincial regions. The Thai culture of group exercise and community events, such as weekly walking clubs in public spaces like Benjakitti Park, Sabai Jai Walking Streets, or temple fairs, presents excellent opportunities for survivors to stay motivated and connected.
The psychological and cultural hurdles, however, remain significant and must be taken into account. Many Thai cancer patients, especially elders in rural provinces, may face social stigma, isolation, or misconceptions that rest and inactivity are preferable during convalescence. Moreover, the fatigue, pain, and emotional toll of cancer treatment can create formidable barriers to movement. The American Cancer Society research acknowledges these challenges, emphasizing that “even some exercise is better than none” and advocating for personalization and social support as crucial elements in sustaining active habits.
Emerging data also suggest that gentle daily movement confers additional benefits beyond survival, including improved mood, lower incidence of depression, better physical functioning, and reduced risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart problems—health conditions that also affect many Thai cancer survivors. “Our research underscores the importance of holistic survivorship support, which integrates physical activity alongside medical care,” wrote Dr. Rees-Punia in correspondence with health journalists.
Going forward, Thai public health bodies have an opportunity to amplify these findings through public campaigns, community ‘exercise for health’ programs, and integration of physical activity routines into routine post-cancer care. Hospitals and local health-promoting hospitals could offer tailored ‘Get Moving After Cancer’ workshops, and collaborate with local leaders, Buddhist temples, and schools to make exercise accessible for all, regardless of age, location, or physical ability.
Taking inspiration from this robust international data, Thai cancer support groups—such as those operated by the National Cancer Institute, Rama Foundation, and Bangkok-based survivor organizations—can expand their offerings to include regular exercise sessions led by survivors or health volunteers. Importantly, they can help reshape the narrative around rest and activity in cancer recovery, leveraging social media platforms like LINE and Facebook to engage wider audiences and reach rural communities.
In conclusion, the message for Thai cancer survivors and their families is clear and hopeful: structured and enjoyable movement is not only safe but may be vital for living longer after a cancer diagnosis. Simple, regular activity—whether brisk walking, gentle cycling, or group dancing—can significantly improve one’s chances of survival and enrich overall quality of life. Healthcare professionals and policymakers are urged to act swiftly to make these opportunities widely available and to address cultural barriers that prevent participation.
Cancer survivors and their caregivers should consult their medical team to identify safe, enjoyable activities, start at a comfortable pace, and consider joining community groups for motivation. Even modest steps, such as a daily morning stroll or participating in temple-based group exercise, can yield substantial health gains. As this new research underscores, every step counts and can be a step toward longer, healthier living after cancer.
Sources: mcknights.com, Journal of the National Cancer Institute, World Health Organization - Physical Activity Guidelines, National Cancer Institute Thailand