Future of Cancer Screening Shows Hope
Future of Cancer Screening: Multi-Cancer Early Detection Brings New Hope
Most cancers are still found late because only five types—colon, cervical, breast, lung, and prostate—have routine screening. A new direction called multi-cancer early detection (MCED) aims to spot cancers with a single test. Instead of hunting for tiny, hard-to-find tumor DNA fragments in the blood, researchers are building tiny “sensors” that circulate in the body and switch on when they meet enzymes made by early cancer cells. These sensors release a synthetic marker that shows up clearly in samples like urine, creating a much stronger, earlier signal than traditional tests in preclinical studies.
Why it matters: this approach could make screening simpler, more accurate, and more accessible—potentially even via low-cost strips for clinics with limited resources—and may help catch hard-to-find cancers (including lung cancer) sooner, when treatment works best. Logic-based sensor designs (think an “AND” gate requiring multiple cancer signals) may reduce false alarms, and early clinical use could include tracking treatment response or watching for recurrence. Safety testing is still ahead, but progress is rapid. If successful, MCED could shift many diagnoses from late-stage to early-stage—and offer hope and options for people living with or at risk for advanced disease. (Source: MIT Technology Review)
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Riding Through Cancer: Christy’s Story
Riding My Harley Through Cancer: Christy’s Stage 4 Lung Cancer Story
When Christy Erickson was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer at just 41, she feared she wouldn’t see her children grow up. But after months of unanswered questions and second opinions, genetic testing revealed her tumor carried an EGFR mutation—opening the door to a targeted therapy called osimertinib. This treatment, born from years of research, gave her what once seemed impossible: more time with her family and the chance to live fully, not just survive.
Christy has faced her journey with courage, faith, and determination. She’s checked off bucket-list dreams, from riding her own Harley to competing in strongman events, and she shares her story to encourage others to advocate for themselves. “Osimertinib gave me time,” she says—time to see her daughter graduate, time to rediscover joy, and time to inspire other patients that even after a stage IV diagnosis, hope and healing are possible. (Source: Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University)
Second Opinions Can Save Lives
Why Getting a Second Opinion for Cancer Can Save Your Life
Being told you have cancer is overwhelming, and it’s easy to feel pressured to start treatment right away. But getting a second opinion can make a huge difference—it may confirm the diagnosis, catch mistakes, or suggest new treatment options. For patients with stage 4 or hard-to-treat lung cancer, this extra step can open the door to advanced therapies and clinical trials not available everywhere.
Specialists at National Cancer Institute-designated centers look deeper than a single test. They review scans, biopsy slides, and genetic testing to match you with the best targeted therapy or immunotherapy. Many doctors welcome second opinions, and sometimes both teams can work together—giving you more support, not less.
Most importantly, a second opinion can give you peace of mind. Knowing your diagnosis and plan have been double-checked helps you move forward with confidence and focus on what matters most: your care and your life. (Source: Winship Magazine)
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What’s Driving Lung Cancer in Nonsmokers?
What’s Driving Lung Cancer in Nonsmokers? Understanding RET-Positive Lung Cancer
Lung cancer isn’t just a smoker’s disease. In fact, up to 20% of lung cancer patients have never smoked, and many are younger women. One reason? Genetic mutations like RET fusions, which can drive cancer growth even without traditional risk factors. This type, called RET-positive lung cancer, is more common in never smokers and doesn’t show up on routine screenings.
That’s why genetic testing (also called biomarker testing) is critical. It can help doctors choose targeted treatments that work better and offer more hope—especially for patients with stage 4 or hard-to-treat lung cancer. Even if you’ve never smoked, if you’re experiencing unusual symptoms or have lung cancer in your family, talk to your doctor about testing. Early detection and personalized care are changing what’s possible. (Source: American Cancer Society, Yale Medicine, J Clin Oncol)
The Power of Friendship When Facing Cancer
When you’re walking through something as overwhelming as cancer, one of the most powerful lifelines you can hold onto is this: you don’t have to walk it alone.
I’m Dr. Sharon May with Stage4Hope, and I want to share two important truths backed by research—and rooted in real-life experience—that can bring you comfort and strength:
- Good friends truly matter.
- A positive mindset can make all the difference.
We already know that going through something difficult with a friend by your side makes it easier. But science now confirms this truth in a profound way. In Dr. James Coan’s research, people were given mild electric shocks—yes, you read that right!—but when they held the hand of someone they deeply cared about, the stress response in their brain significantly decreased. The pain was more bearable simply because someone they loved was there.
That’s the power of presence.
Another powerful study published in Psycho-oncology (2010) followed cancer survivors for eight years. They found that those who received meaningful emotional support just three months after their diagnosis experienced post-traumatic growth—they were better emotionally, mentally, and spiritually years later. Support doesn’t just help in the moment—it shapes how you move through your cancer journey and who you become on the other side.
So what does this mean for you?
It means you need people. And they need you, too.
Here are a few thoughts I hope will encourage you:
- Reach out to two or three friends. Keep those friendships going. Be intentional. Let the conversation be mutual—yes, talk about your cancer journey, but also listen your friend’s everyday stories. Friendship flows both ways.
- Join a group. If you didn’t have many close connections at the start of your journey, it’s never too late. A support group creates a place to belong, to connect, and to share with people who understand. You can also begin by joining one of our virtual women’s retreats. With gentle teaching and encouraging community you will find friendship and strength for your journey.
- Teach your friends how to walk this road with you. It’s okay to tell them what’s helpful and what’s not. Sometimes they won’t know what to say—help them out. You’ll learn together.
- Teach your family how to be there with you. This journey is difficult for both you and your family. Your family will go between grief for you and grief for themselves. Which means your spouse or children will, at times, struggle with their own emotions of fears, anger, depression, loss and grief. And for certain your family will not always say the most comforting things nor be there the way you hope. They will probably disappoint you leaving you hurt and maybe alone. Families are complicated, but now is the time to let go of resentment and small irritations. Make an effort to be there for each other, one struggle at a time, one day at a time. If it gets too complicated, reach out for professional help from a counselor or relationship coach.
- Keep being you. Cancer may be part of your story right now, but it is not the whole story. You are still you—funny, strong, sensitive, quirky, wise. Hold onto your identity and let it shine in your relationships.
- Stay connected to your world. You still have a family, a neighborhood, hobbies and routines. Keep participating in what makes life rich and meaningful. You have so much to give—and receive.
- Don’t isolate. This is the hardest part for some. But I gently encourage you: risk reaching out. Let someone be there for you. Hold someone’s hand—literally or figuratively. It truly makes a difference.
I’m cheering you on, friend. You are not alone. And here at Stage4Hope, we’re walking alongside you every step of the way.
If you’re looking for connection, encouragement, and growth, I invite you to join our upcoming women’s virtual retreat. It’s a time to rest, be renewed, and find community with other brave women walking their own journeys.
Reach out—we’d love to hear from you.
Author- Dr. Sharon May
The Importance of Social Support and Being Positive When Facing Cancer
- (2010, January 19). Type of social support matters for prediction of post-traumatic growth among cancer survivors.
- Coan, J.A., Schaefer, H.S., & Davidson, R.J. (2006). Lending a hand: Social regulation of the neural response to threat. Psychological Science.
Talc and Cancer: What to Know
Talc, a mineral found in some baby powders, cosmetics, medications, and even food, is now under serious review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This attention comes after decades of debate and thousands of lawsuits linking talc to ovarian cancer—especially from using talc-containing powders in intimate areas. While the science isn’t yet settled, researchers agree on one troubling issue: talc is often contaminated with asbestos, a known cancer-causing substance. And because companies aren’t required to prove their talc is asbestos-free, consumers may be unknowingly exposed.
The strongest concern is for those who use talc-based powders or cosmetics regularly, especially around sensitive areas. Some studies suggest these users may face a higher risk of ovarian cancer. Experts recommend avoiding talc whenever possible and opting for safer alternatives like cornstarch. If you’ve used talc-containing products for many years—especially in your personal care routine—it’s worth discussing with your doctor. You can also check product safety through resources like the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database. (Source: TIME Magazine)
Read the complete article here >
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Emotional Support Changes Everything
Why Emotional Support and Mindset Matter More Than We Think
When someone receives a cancer diagnosis, the focus often turns immediately to medical treatment. But research continues to show that emotional support and a positive outlook can play a powerful role in long-term well-being and healing.
A study published in Psycho-oncology (2010) found that cancer survivors who received strong emotional support within three months of diagnosis experienced greater emotional health and post-traumatic growth even eight years later. The takeaway? Early support helps people make sense of their experience and fosters healing far beyond the treatment room.
Another study in Psychological Health (2016) revealed that patients with a generally positive disposition experienced less anxiety, depression, and impairment both at diagnosis and one year later. Their optimism didn’t deny the reality of illness—it helped them navigate it with more resilience.
Importantly, Psycho-oncology (2016) also emphasized the power of balance. Breast cancer patients who were able to “hold both hope and reality—expecting the best but preparing for the worst-” did better emotionally and functionally over time.
These studies all point to the same conclusion:
Positivity and meaningful support deeply impact how we experience cancer and how well we live through it.
Our ability to fight for life—to keep showing up with hope and purpose—comes from within, but it’s strengthened by faith, relationships, and the meaning we make in the face of suffering. It’s not about pretending everything is okay. It’s about walking through the valley with courage, supported and strengthened by those who walk with us.
Author- Dr. Sharon May
Psycho-oncology. (2010, January 19). Type of social support matters for prediction of post-traumatic growth among cancer survivors.
Psychological Health. (2016, May 31). Being positive despite illness: The contribution of positivity to the quality of life of cancer patients.
Psycho-oncology. (2016, August 25). Expecting the best and being prepared for the worst
Thriving Through the Storm
Thriving Through the Storm: The Beethoven Factor
Hearing the words “You have cancer,” and then, “You have Stage 4 cancer,” can feel like the ground has given way beneath you. It’s a shattering, disorienting moment—one that changes everything. The question becomes: how do you find your footing again? How do you not only get through this cancer journey, but truly live in the midst of it, flourish along the way, and—dare I say—become a deeper, stronger, more wholehearted version of yourself?
Let me share with you a story I return to often—one I find both grounding and inspiring.
Beethoven, the great composer, slowly lost his hearing. At one point, the weight of his deafness drove him to deep despair. He became withdrawn and depressed. But years later, something shifted. He didn’t just endure his suffering—he rose above it. He composed and conducted his breathtaking 9th Symphony, Ode to Joy, while completely deaf.
Yes, deaf.
And yet that music was bursting with joy. Because of the adversity he faced—and because of how he faced it—Beethoven discovered a deeper strength and a richer life. He wrote of finding no more room for self-pity, regret, or fear. He learned to embrace his life as it was and chose to find meaning, purpose, and even joy in the present moment.
This is what Dr. Paul Pearsall, a cancer survivor himself, called The Beethoven Factor. He believed that it’s not the pain, fear, or loss in life that defines us—it’s how we respond. It’s how we allow our adversity to shape us.
And that’s the key:
How do we let our pain refine us, grow us, and awaken us to live more intentionally?
What if, through the cancer journey, you could become more grounded, more compassionate, more alive to the beauty of the everyday? What if your life—as it is—could still be full of love, laughter, peace, and meaning?
You are not just surviving cancer. You are discovering who you are becoming because of it.
So take a deep breath. Feel your strength rise. Lean on others. Let joy and gratitude slip into your day, even in small moments. And keep showing up—as your truest, bravest, most resilient self.
This is how you thrive. This is the Beethoven Factor
Author- Dr. Sharon May
Pearsall, P. (2003). The Beethoven Factor: The New Positive Psychology of Hardiness, Healing, and Hope. Hampton Roads Publishing.
The Connection Between Cancer and Mental Health
When you hear the words “you have cancer,” your world is turned upside down. Everything changes—your body, your daily rhythm, your relationships, your responsibilities—and with that, your emotional and mental health can take a powerful blow. As a therapist and someone walking alongside many people facing life-impacting circumstances, I want to gently remind you: Your mental and emotional well-being matter. Greatly.
We often focus on the physical toll cancer takes—surgeries, treatments, fatigue—but cancer doesn’t just affect the body. It impacts your mind, your heart, your mood, your ability to cope, and your sense of identity. And that’s where we need to pause and pay attention.
In fact, the American Cancer Society reported that while the risk of dying from cancer has decreased over the past 30 years, the number of people diagnosed with cancer continues to rise. In 2024, over 2 million people in the U.S. were expected to be diagnosed with cancer—nearly 5,000 new diagnoses every day. So yes, cancer is more than just a medical issue. It’s a human experience, and it stirs everything inside of us.
You are not weak if you feel overwhelmed.
It’s completely understandable to feel fear, sadness, panic, confusion, or even anger. Life as you knew it has changed. You may grieve the life you had, feel uncertain about your future, and wonder how to keep going. The shock of the diagnosis, the fatigue from treatment, and the weight of loss—these things are real and valid.
That’s why it’s so important to care for your emotional and mental health. Your mind and body are connected, and what you feel emotionally will absolutely influence how you respond physically. If you’ve already struggled with anxiety or depression before your diagnosis, you may find those feelings amplified now. You’re not alone in this—and it’s okay to ask for support.
So what can help?
Let me share 8 meaningful practices recommended by Dr. Daniel Amen, a trusted voice in brain health, along with a few of my own additions:
- Challenge Your Negative Thoughts
Don’t believe every scary, negative thought about what might happen that runs through your mind. Ask yourself: Is this true? Is this helpful? Gently interrupt your doomsday spirals and look for a new perspective. Your thoughts shape how you feel—so let’s train them to be kind and wise.
- Tame Your Inner Dragons
Those fearful inner voices—the ones that tell you “you’re not enough” or “you won’t make it”—can roar loud. But you are allowed to speak back to them with truth, compassion, and courage. Name them. Face them. Then gently hush them. Replace them with beliefs and words of hope, courage and the love that can affirm your strength to get you through.
- Surround Yourself with Support
Having safe people around you—whether it’s a few close friends, a support group, or a community like Stage4Hope—makes a difference. We were created for connection. Don’t walk this road alone. Join us in one of our retreats or women’s groups where you can be encouraged and known.
- Keep Doing What Brings You Joy
Maybe it looks different now, but you can still write, paint, sing, bake, help someone else, or enjoy the simple beauty of a good book or warm tea. Purpose and joy are healing—keep reaching for them.
- Nourish Your Body Kindly
Eat well. Choose anti-inflammatory, life-giving foods. Stay hydrated. Limit sugar and alcohol. And—just as important—treat yourself now and then to something yummy that makes your heart smile. That’s nourishment too.
- Create Calming Rituals
Routines can ground us. Whether it’s a morning walk, a moment of prayer, deep breathing, reading Scripture, journaling, or putting sticky notes of hope around your room—these small acts can anchor you.
- Nurture Your Spiritual Life
This is a sacred time to reconnect with your Creator. Many people facing cancer find themselves longing for something deeper. Talk to God, ask your questions, reconnect with your sense of a higher power, let yourself be held by His love. He’s not afraid of your tears or doubts—He’s with you in it all.
- Keep Moving Forward
Even if it’s slow or small—keep going. Get out of bed. Stretch. Take a short walk. Movement lifts the fog. It releases feel-good chemicals. It reminds your body that you’re still here, still fighting, still living. Don’t underestimate its power.
Your mental health is not secondary. It’s essential.
It’s okay to feel broken at times. It’s okay to cry, to ask for help, to rest when the world feels too heavy. But I want you to also know: You can feel joy again. You can find beauty again. You can rise again.
Your quality of life is not just about how your body feels—it’s about how your heart is holding up. So give your mental health the care and space it deserves. Let your emotional well-being be part of your healing.
And remember, you are not alone. We’re here for you at Stage4Hope, ready to walk this journey with you.
Author- Dr. Sharon May
Stage4Hope
American Cancer Society. (2024). Cancer Facts & Figures.
Amen, D.G. (n.d.). Amen Clinics. https://www.amenclinics.com/
FIBER It Does a Body Good
Fiber and Cancer Prevention: Why It Matters
Should you be eating more fiber to help prevent cancer? And how much do you really need to reduce your risk?
It could be time for a fiber tune-up of your diet. Most American adults get only half the recommended daily dose, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Clinical dietitian-nutritionist Cara Anselmo, MS, RDN, is an expert in breast cancer nutrition and is a certified specialist in obesity and weight management.
“Eating more fiber is often overlooked as one of the healthiest things we can do for ourselves,” Anselmo says.
Fiber not only improves heart health, reduces diabetes risk, and aids in weight control, it may reduce the risk of several common cancers such as colorectal cancer.
How Does Fiber Reduce the Risk of Colorectal Cancer?
Dietary fiber has long been linked to a lower risk of certain types of cancer, particularly colorectal cancer. Colon cancer rates are increasing among young adults. Because less than 10% of adults are getting enough fiber, scientists think this trend may be connected.
One of the main ways that fiber helps to protect against colon cancer, according to Anselmo, is by fostering a healthy population of bacteria in the colon, known as the microbiome. Fiber remains in the colon after other components of the diet become absorbed by the body.
“When fiber is fermented by the bacteria in our colon,” Anselmo says, “it produces metabolites, which reduce inflammation and protect the colon cells from becoming cancerous. These metabolites can also activate our immune system and increase anti-cancer immunity.”
Fiber also has several other effects that improve our metabolic health, which indirectly lowers the risk of several cancers. For example, fiber can increase the speed at which food passes through the gut, which can lower absorption and exposure time to less healthy foods we may have consumed. Fiber can also lower cholesterol levels.
What Is a High-Fiber Diet?
A high-fiber diet means you eat foods that are rich in this type of carbohydrate, found mainly in plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, peas, and legumes. Consuming more than 25 to 30 grams of fiber per day is generally considered to be a high-fiber diet.
What Are the Kinds of Fiber?
There are two main types of dietary fiber — soluble and insoluble. Both types of fiber are healthy and can lower cancer risk.
Soluble fiber attracts water into the intestines and becomes a gel. It can help lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Foods higher in soluble fiber include:
• Oats
• Beans
• Citrus fruits
• Peas
Insoluble fiber doesn’t dissolve in water. It can help move food through your digestive system, absorb water to provide bulk, and may help prevent constipation. Foods higher in insoluble fiber include:
• Whole grains
• Some vegetables
• Nuts and seeds
How Much Fiber Do You Need?
The MSK registered dietitian-nutritionist team recommends that most people eat 25 grams of fiber per day. “Consume half of your fiber from whole foods like whole grains, vegetables, and beans,” Anselmo advises. “Fiber-supplemented products are not as effective as whole foods and may not have additional nutrients that help you reach your optimal health.”
Anselmo also stresses the importance of staying well hydrated when increasing dietary fiber in order to minimize potential symptoms such as bloating and abdominal discomfort as your gastrointestinal tract adapts to new changes. She reminds patients to always ask their cancer care team if they should follow any special diet before, during, or after treatment.
How Is MSK Researching the Role of Fiber and Cancer?
Studies are underway to help determine a person’s optimal dose of fiber to prevent cancer, based on their biology, genetics, and lifestyle.
MSK is also investigating which bacteria are involved in fermenting fiber into the metabolites that protect against various cancers, including breast, skin, prostate, colon, and rectal cancer. If scientists can identify a specific bacterial signature, other interventions such as bacterial transplants may work to reduce cancer risks.
Finally, there are ongoing studies testing whether fiber intake and certain probiotic compounds might enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. (Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering News- 2025, Issue 1)
Resources for Living With Stage 4 Cancer
Learn more about topics like fiber and cancer prevention, along with other important aspects of living with Stage 4 cancer. Become a member of our community to receive inspiring stories, helpful resources, and updates on how we support individuals and families facing advanced-stage cancer. Stay informed with the latest research and gain early access to educational content.
Boosting Cancer Immunity Through Fasting
Fasting and Cancer Immunity Explained
How Fasting May Supercharge the Immune System to Better Fight Cancer…
More than a dozen types of cancer are sensitive to obesity, which can cause inflammation that damages cells, increased hormone levels, and other changes. So it makes sense for researchers to explore whether fasting to slow body fat and improve metabolic health might improve outcomes.
Now laboratory researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) and their collaborators have found that fasting can SUPERCHARGE the immune system’s “natural killer” cells. (Natural killer cells, or NK cells, for short, are a type of white blood cell that can kill abnormal or damaged cells, such as cancer cells.)
Fasting can reprogram the metabolism of natural killer cells, the team found in a study of mice. Those reprogrammed cells are better able to survive in the harsh environment in and around tumors. Their cancer-fighting ability is stronger, too.
The research, which was published in Immunity — one of the top immunology journals — explains how natural killer cells get reprogrammed during periods of fasting. The researchers are optimistic that what they’re learning in animal models could help make human immunotherapies more effective in people.
“Tumors are very hungry,” says immunologist Joseph Sun, PhD, the study’s senior author. “They use up the essential nutrients flowing to normal tissue. In that nutrient-starved environment, it is harder for natural killer cells to survive, so their function is impaired. Fasting reprograms these natural killer cells to better survive in this suppressive environment.”
What Are Natural Killer Cells?
Natural killer cells get their name because they can destroy a threat without having to recognize that threat — unlike other immune cells, called T cells, which require exposure to a specific threat in order to target it.
In general, the more NK cells that are present within a tumor, the better the prognosis is for the patient.
How Fasting Reprograms and Redistributes NK Cells
For the study, mice with cancer were fasted for 24 hours twice a week and then allowed to eat freely in between fasts. While the mice did not lose weight, the fasting had a profound effect on their natural killer immune cells.
Just as happens in humans, fasted mice saw a drop in their glucose levels and a rise in free fatty acids, which are lipids released by fat cells.
“During each of these fasting cycles, NK cells learned to use these fatty acids as an alternative fuel source to glucose,” says study first author Rebecca Delconte, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow in the Sun Lab. “This really improves their response against cancer and helps them survive in the harsh environment around the tumor.”
Fasting also led NK cells to travel to and interact with different parts of the body in big numbers. Many of the NK cells travel into the bone marrow, where they are programmed to develop a more powerful response against cancer. Meanwhile, NK cells that travel to the spleen undergo a separate reprogramming, making them better able to use lipids as a fuel source.
“With both of these mechanisms put together, we find that NK cells will move to the tumor and be primed to better kill the cancer cells,” Dr. Delconte says. “They’re more able to survive in this harsh environment, and their power is strengthened against cancer cells.”
Potential To Improve Cancer Treatments
There are several potential opportunities to advance the mouse-model research toward treating patients in the clinic, the researchers say.
First, clinical trials are already beginning to study the safety and effectiveness of fasting in combination with standard treatments. Another avenue would be to identify drugs that could mimic the underlying mechanisms without requiring patients to fast. Third, small molecules might be able to be put into a pill and taken outside of the body and then administered back to patients to improve treatment effects.
Right now, however, more clinical data is still needed about the effects of fasting for people with cancer, MSK researchers say.
There are many different types of fasting, and some might be helpful while others might be harmful. Patients should speak with their doctors about what’s safe and healthy for their individual situation. (Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering News- 2025, Issue 1)
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Learn more about topics like fasting and cancer immunity, along with other important aspects of living with Stage 4 cancer. Become a member of our community to receive inspiring stories, helpful resources, and updates on how we support individuals and families facing advanced-stage cancer. Stay informed with the latest research and gain early access to educational content.
A New Cancer Therapy: Exercise
How Exercise and Cancer Treatment Outcomes
New Cancer patients may be surprised to learn they share something in common with astronauts in outer space.
It turns out that lying in bed and floating in zero gravity take a similar toll on the body, says Jessica Scott, PhD. She knows because she was a NASA scientist before joining the Exercise Oncology Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK).
“Astronauts have a lot of the same symptoms as cancer patients — being inactive and weightless can hurt fitness in a way similar to receiving a cancer treatment like chemotherapy,” Dr. Scott says. “Astronauts even get something called ‘space fog,’ which is similar to what people with cancer call ‘chemo brain.'”
When Dr. Scott saw how exercise can counteract the damage in space to the heart, brain, and muscles, she wanted to apply those lessons to benefit the millions of people with cancer.
Reducing the Toll of Cancer and Its Treatment
Contrary to popular belief, the best way for patients feeling depleted to recover is not necessarily to stay in bed.
“It’s now clear that exercise has major benefits for people being treated for cancer as well as for cancer survivors,” says MSK exercise physiologist Kylie Rowed. “In addition to improving physical and mental health, it can help minimize the long-term effects of cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation.”
The benefits can be dramatic. For example, MSK research showed that people who endure three months of chemotherapy had a 15% decline in fitness levels within three to six months of treatment — equal to a decade of aging. But exercising just three times a week significantly reduced that steep decline.
Recently, the Exercise Oncology Program has taken the research a step further, conducting studies that shed light on whether exercise can affect cancer survival and recurrence and help new cancer drug therapies work better.
There is even tantalizing evidence that exercise might change the biology of the cancer itself, slowing its growth.
A First-of-Its-Kind Clinical Trial
In July 2024, Dr. Jones’s team published results in JAMA Oncology from a groundbreaking clinical trial suggesting that specific amounts of exercise before surgery among men with early-stage prostate cancer can meaningfully improve two key biomarkers associated with better outcomes.
“To our knowledge, this is the first clinical trial to research the optimal amount of exercise therapy for people with any kind of cancer diagnosis,” Dr. Jones says.
Previous research, including MSK’s, had shown that exercise was associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer progressing, and that men who report exercising regularly have a lower risk of dying from the cancer. But as all scientists know, correlation is not causation.
The true test is “treating” patients with controlled amounts of exercise therapy prescribed in the same way drugs are tested and prescribed — in specific “doses” administered over specific periods.
Researchers wanted to know: What is the most exercise people could reasonably be expected to do? Does the exercise have any biological effect on the tumor itself? And perhaps most important: How much exercise is enough?
To find out, the researchers studied 53 men scheduled to undergo surgery for prostate cancer at MSK. This allowed them to examine the tumor at two different points: when the tumor was biopsied at diagnosis and again at the time of surgery — usually about four weeks later. That provided a four-week window to test the effects of exercise alone, when none of the patients had undergone any treatments such as radiation or chemotherapy.
Participating in Research From Home
To make it as convenient as possible, the team found a way for most parts of the study to be done at home. They delivered a study kit that included a treadmill, an iPad loaded with apps, a smartwatch, a continuous glucose monitor, a blood pressure cuff, and a digital scale.
All exercise sessions consisted of walking on a treadmill while being monitored via Zoom by an exercise physiologist. Each participant was assigned one of the following “doses” of exercise:
- 90 minutes per week
- 150 minutes per week
- 225 minutes per week
- 300 minutes per week
- 375 minutes per week
- 450 minutes per week
The results were eye-opening. After exercise, the biomarkers either decreased or remained stable. Interestingly, there seemed to be a sweet spot: Most of the benefit was achieved with 225 minutes (3 hours and 45 minutes) of exercise a week. More than that amount had no greater impact on biomarkers.
“This was a key finding because it challenges the notion that ‘more is always better’ when it comes to exercise,” Dr. Scott says.
While encouraging, these results don’t prove exercise will improve someone’s cancer prognosis.
The researchers were looking only to see if exercise had an impact on the tumor, in the form of a biological signal over the short term. Determining if exercise leads to longer survival or better outcomes will require longer and larger clinical trials.
There is already a phase 2 clinical trial underway using the 225-minute dose level to better understand how exercise impacts prostate cancer progression. Similar trials are expected for other solid tumor cancers, including lung cancer, particularly those driven by specific mutations responding differently to exercise.
Establishing Exercise as Essential for Cancer Treatment and Prevention
“The hope is that people can be referred to an exercise physiologist who can give them a personalized prescription tailored to their physiology, tumor characteristics, and overall situation — much in the same way cancer drugs are personalized,” Dr. Scott says.
In the meantime, patients say exercising improves their overall well-being.
“I think the sense of control the exercise gave me was very important at a time when I was feeling somewhat helpless,” Robert says. “As a cancer patient, it was something 100% under my power that could help my recovery.” (Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering News- 2025, Issue 1)
Resources for Living With Stage 4 Cancer
Learn more about topics like exercise and cancer treatment, along with other important aspects of living with Stage 4 cancer. Become a member of our community to receive inspiring stories, helpful resources, and updates on how we support individuals and families facing advanced-stage cancer. Stay informed with the latest research and gain early access to educational content.
