It was revealed that those doing at least an hour’s weekly exercise – from a brisk walk to a run – in the year leading up to their diagnosis received better results than those who were more sedentary.

Mortality risk dropped by over 25% in the regular exercisers, while those who did at least an hour per week of moderate-to-vigorous exercise before diagnosis saw a 47% risk reduction. It adds to increasing evidence that exercise is beneficial for preventing and treating cancer.

Moreover, those performing up to an hour of exercise weekly were found to have a 16% lower chance and a 33% reduced risk of death from all causes. For those who did over an hour of moderate-to-high intensity movement, those figures were even more impressive, at 27% and 47% respectively.

The length of time between initial diagnosis and disease progression, exit from the study or death ranged from one month to nearly 13 years.

There are a few reasons why exercise may be successful in treating cancer. First, it increases the number of the white blood cells, lymphocytes, neutrophils and eosinophils, that are part of the body’s immune system.

Physical activity may also regulate the levels of hormones oestrogen and testosterone, reducing the progression of hormone-sensitive cancers like breast and prostate.

Some NHS trusts already suggest new cancer patients to try ‘prehab’ schemes, where they do three weeks of exercise before having treatment, to help them better withstand intensive chemotherapy.

Huw Edwards, the chief executive of fitness body ukactive, said: ‘This study provides a powerful incentive for being more active in our daily lives by showing clearly how it improves your chances if you are diagnosed with cancer.

‘This adds to the growing evidence of how physical activity helps prevent and reduce the impact of long-term conditions such as cancer, heart disease, joint pain and depression.’

Dr Simon Vincent, director of research, support and influencing at Breast Cancer Now, said: ‘Evidence shows that you can help reduce your risk of developing breast cancer by being physically active on a regular basis.

‘Further research is also needed to establish whether other lifestyle factors could influence risk of disease progression and death.’

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