Health
Walking Boosts Longevity for Breast Cancer Survivors
Health Points
- Breast cancer survivors with higher genetic risk for obesity face increased risk of early death.
- Walking regularly can help lower this risk, even for those genetically predisposed to higher weight.
- Just 15 extra minutes of walking per day may significantly improve survival odds.
New research shows that postmenopausal breast cancer survivors with a genetic tendency toward obesity have a higher risk of early mortality, but daily walking can help offset this risk.
Scientists found that adding more steps each day may effectively reduce these odds, regardless of genetic background or current body size.
“There are ways to offset the genetic contribution to mortality risk by adding additional steps,” says Clara Bodelon, PhD, lead study author at the American Cancer Society.
Researchers followed over 4,000 women in their sixties and seventies for nearly 15 years, analyzing their genetic markers for obesity and reviewing their physical activity habits.
Having a high genetic risk for obesity did not always mean higher body weight, and lifestyle factors, like walking, played a powerful role in long-term health.
“This provides very encouraging evidence that genetic predisposition predicted risk can be, to some extent, mitigated by healthier life choices, including increased number of walking hours per week,” says Azka Ali, MD, breast medical oncologist at Cleveland Clinic.
Walking four hours or more each week lowered participants’ early death risk by about 25 percent compared to those who walked less, and even those with high genetic risk showed benefits.
Adding 15 minutes of walking daily—roughly 1,200 to 1,500 steps—helped women with high genetic risk match the survival rates of those with lower risk scores.
Study limitations include its focus on postmenopausal women of European ancestry and self-reported physical activity, but the age-positive message remains strong.
Looking for motivation to move? Even short walks around the neighborhood or choosing stairs over elevators can make a meaningful difference.
Take charge of your wellbeing by putting on your walking shoes—every step counts toward a longer, healthier life.