Breast Cancer And The Power Of Movement: Why Fitness Matters For Survivors—And Every Woman

Breast cancer survival today is no longer shaped only by surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. A growing body of evidence now shows that what women do beyond the hospital—how much they move, how active they remain, and how they manage their weight—can decisively influence long-term survival and quality of life.

A large new study from the American Cancer Society (ACS) has found that while breast cancer survivors with a genetic predisposition to obesity face a significantly higher risk of early death than those without such genetic risk, genetics are not destiny. Even modest physical activity—particularly walking—can substantially offset this risk.

“Genetic predisposition does increase mortality risk, but it does not seal one’s fate,” said Dr. Clara Bodelon, lead author of the study and a senior principal scientist at the American Cancer Society. “There are ways to reduce this risk by simply adding more steps to daily life.”

The findings hold importance in the context of India too, where breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, in view of increasing obesity, sedentary lifestyles, late marriage, worsening air pollution, and late diagnosis due to unawareness and social stigma.

Dr. Manish Singhal, oncologist at Yashoda Medicity, said, “Many women notice changes but choose silence. Some detect a lump early but do not tell their husbands or family members. They stay in denial until the disease becomes obvious—when it turns into an ulcer, starts smelling, or causes severe symptoms. That delay can be devastating.”

While talking to The Health Outlook, he said, “Most breast lumps are not cancerous—but only a medical professional can make that distinction. Delay, not the lump itself, is what often proves fatal.”

He warned that survival drops sharply with advancing stages: more than 90% of Stage 1 cases are curable, around 70% at Stage 2, less than 50% at Stage 3, while Stage 4 is not curable. “Three minutes a month for self-breast examination and 15 minutes of walking a day can dramatically alter outcomes.”

Dr. Singhal emphasised that physical fitness plays a dual role in breast cancer outcomes. “Regular exercise lowers the risk of developing disease and improves recovery and survival if illness occurs. Physical activity also increases body awareness, making women more likely to notice changes early and seek medical advice.”

This message lies at the heart of Pinkathon, India’s largest women-only running event, founded by fitness icon Milind Soman. The 2025–26 edition, supported by Zydus Lifesciences, includes distances ranging from 3 km to ultramarathons, built around the pillars of women’s health, inclusivity, and empowerment. Returning to the capital after six and a half years, the Zydus Pinkathon Delhi will feature race categories from 3 km, Lifelong 5 km, and 10 km to ultradistances of 50 km, 75 km, 100 km, and a 100 km relay on March 8 at Nehru Stadium.

“For every woman, the message is simple but urgent—move more, speak up, get checked, and take ownership of your health,” Soman said, while Dr. Singhal asserted that events like Pinkathon play a critical role in shifting this mindset by linking fitness with awareness and reminding women that self-care is not selfish—it is survival.

The run brings together women from all walks of life. Among them is Arti Limje, a visually impaired ultra-runner competing in the 50 km category and a Mumbai-based sports coach who wears many hats, including that of a chef. She told The Health Outlook that endurance sport has been central to her mental resilience and recovery.

“I went through depression in the early stages of my life,” she said. “Sport brought me back on track. Today, I am not only mentally stronger but also enjoying the confidence and recognition that running has given me.”

Her journey is marked by both personal grit and public service. In 2018, Limje participated in the State Tournament for Blind Women and the National Para Athletic Games, while also organising a blood donation camp. A year later, she went on to lead the Maharashtra Cricket Team as captain at the Indian Oil National Cricket Tournament for the Blind—cementing her role as both an athlete and a leader.

Bhavana Saxena, a breast cancer survivor running the Lifelong 5K, describes fitness as “a way of reclaiming control after diagnosis.” Maria Bagatsing, a babywearing mother and mascot for the 3 km run, symbolises the event’s inclusive spirit.

Jaswinder Kaur, a pilot, said fitness has always been central to her life. “Even though schools often focus more on academics, my own emphasis since childhood has been on staying physically active. As a pilot, maintaining fitness is not a choice—it is a necessity,” she said.

Kaur believes the message is universal. “Every woman must take out time for herself. Even five minutes a day can make a difference. That time is not a luxury; it is an investment in health and self-worth.”

Dr. Sharvil Patel, Managing Director of Zydus Lifesciences, highlighted the importance of early detection. “A simple three-minute self-examination each month can be life-saving. Through the Easiest Exam campaign and our partnership with Pinkathon, we aim to reach more women and turn awareness into action.”

Ankita Konwar, founder of Invincible Women, added that fitness must be viewed as a lifelong commitment. “Women need to take up space in sport, move at their own pace, and stay consistent. Fitness is not a one-day achievement—it’s a habit.”

The message is clear. For breast cancer survivors, walking is not just exercise—it is a powerful tool for recovery and longevity. For women at risk, it is prevention. And for society at large, regular physical activities like running, walking, or exercising may be one of the simplest, most affordable, and most scalable public-health interventions available today, said Dr. Singhal.