Scientists have long known that being physically active reduces a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. But a new study shows that breast cancer survivors who are physically active are as much as 60 percent less likely to die than those who are inactive.

Researchers tracked 315 women who were breast cancer survivors. The women provided information about the type and duration of their daily physical activities, and the researchers categorized them as being active, moderately active, or inactive.

They found that compared to breast cancer survivors who were inactive, those who were active were 58 percent less likely to die, and those who were moderately active were 60 percent less likely to die. The protective effects of exercise were seen even after taking into account different cancer treatments.

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer (after skin cancer) among women living in the United States. With nearly 290,000 cases diagnosed in 2022, experts expect breast cancer to claim the lives of nearly 44,000 women.

This study adds to the robust library of scientific literature supporting the role of exercise and physical activity in promoting survivorship among people who have breast cancer. Other evidence suggests that time-restricted eating promotes survivorship, too. Learn more in this episode featuring Dr. Ruth Patterson.

• Read study abstract.