More Steps, Lower Cardiovascular Risk for Cancer Survivors

A groundbreaking study presented at the American Heart Association's Epidemiology and Prevention Scientific Sessions demonstrates that increased physical activity could substantially reduce cardiovascular mortality risk among postmenopausal women with a cancer history.

Researchers from the University of California, San Diego found that women who walked 5,000-6,000 steps daily experienced a 40% reduction in all-cause mortality. Each additional 2,500 daily steps was associated with a 34% decrease in cardiovascular disease mortality risk.

The study, which followed nearly 2,500 women aged 63-99 with various cancer histories, revealed that even modest physical activity levels can yield significant health benefits. Participants who engaged in one hour of moderate to vigorous daily activity experienced a 60% reduction in cardiovascular disease mortality risk.

The findings challenge previous assumptions about required physical activity levels, showing that meaningful health improvements are possible without achieving the often-cited 10,000 steps per day benchmark. Moreover, the research highlighted the potential dangers of prolonged sedentary behavior, with every 102 minutes of daily sitting associated with a 12% increased all-cause mortality risk.

Lead researcher Eric Hyde emphasized the study's practical implications, noting that easily trackable metrics like daily steps can provide a straightforward approach for cancer survivors to improve their long-term health outcomes.

These results underscore the importance of physical activity in managing health risks for cancer survivors and provide actionable insights for improving cardiovascular wellness through simple, achievable lifestyle modifications.