Physical activity and breast cancer: the study that showed movement can halve the risk of dying (Holmes, JAMA 2005)
It’s one of the studies that opened the path of exercise oncology. Holmes and colleagues followed thousands of women with breast cancer and found a striking relationship between moving and living longer.
What the study found
Women with higher levels of physical activity after diagnosis showed a notable reduction in the risk of dying from the disease — up to roughly half in the most active groups — compared with the least active. The effect appeared at achievable amounts of activity, not extreme training.
What it means for you during treatment
You don’t need to become a competitive athlete. The study’s signal is that regular, sustained movement, adapted to your situation, is one of the most powerful levers in your hands.
How IronHumans applies it
IronHumans designs that “achievable dose” for you: a progressive plan that protects your strength, mobility, and autonomy as you move through treatment, with follow-up to sustain consistency.
Source: Holmes et al., JAMA, 2005.
Educational summary of published scientific studies. It does not replace your medical team’s advice or guarantee individual results. Always consult your oncology team before starting any exercise or nutrition program.