We get it—sometimes even the idea of exercise sounds about as appealing as alphabetising your spice rack or folding a fitted sheet. Whether you’re in recovery from breast cancer, recently diagnosed, undergoing treatment, or simply doing all you can to reduce the risk, moving your body might not always feel like your first instinct. But here's the (good) news: a major global study has just given us a massive reason to lace up those trainers, even if it's just for a short stroll.
“Better Than a Drug”
A landmark study, presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) conference in May 2025, has found that regular exercise can reduce the risk of cancer returning by up to 40%. Yes, forty! And even more impressively, they say a brisk walk for just 30 minutes, five times a week, could reduce the risk of death by as much as a third for people who’ve had cancer. Lead researcher, Dr Iyengar from New York’s Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, says the results are so profound that exercise should be “prescribed like a drug.”
The science behind the sweat
And it’s not just this one study. There’s growing evidence that physical activity can lower levels of inflammation in the body (which helps keep cancer at bay and boosts your immune system). It's also been proven to regulate hormones like insulin and oestrogen, which are linked to breast cancer. And of course, exercise of any kind can improve mental health, reduce anxiety, and lift your mood, which we well know is half the battle when you’re dealing with the emotional rollercoaster of a cancer diagnosis or recovery
Dr Iyengar says, “Exercise activates anti-cancer pathways in the body, just like medicine does.”
And the best part? It’s free and available at your doorstep.
Really not feeling like it?
Let’s be honest: Some days, dragging yourself out for a walk feels like climbing Everest. Fatigue is real. Pain is real. Motivation… might just be watching Netflix on the sofa. And that’s okay. You are not lazy. You are not failing. You are human.
The beauty of this new research is that it isn’t telling you to run a marathon or spend hours in the gym. It’s about gentle, regular movement—the kind that fits into your life and works with your body, not against it.
Ideas to get you moving with a smile
Remember, ten minutes is better than zero. Even stretching counts. Be proud of any movement.
A kitchen disco, or gardening, playing with your dog, walking with a friend—it all counts.
Invite a friend for a “walk and talk” instead of a coffee catch-up.
And a great playlist or a juicy podcast can turn a stroll into a treat.
You deserve to feel good
Exercise isn’t about punishing your body—it’s about nurturing it. It’s about feeling stronger, more in control, and even laughing along the way. Because let’s face it: wobbling through holding a yoga pose with your mate can be just the medicine you didn’t know you needed!
So if today’s not the day, that’s okay. But maybe tomorrow you’ll pull on your trainers, stick on a banger of a tune, and take a short stroll.
Every step of the way
At The House of Hope, we believe in supporting every part of you. That means not just your physical health but your emotional well-being too. We plan to run a variety of classes to help you feel great, from mindfulness to gentle yoga or group walks. Because the House of Hope community is walking this path with you, sometimes slowly, but always together.
“Exercise activates anti-cancer pathways in the body—just like medicine does.”
