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Monday, August 11, 2025 – 11:42
Berlin, Germany – A new report from the German cancer Research Center (DKFZ) highlights the notable impact of lifestyle factors on persistent fatigue experienced by cancer survivors.The study, released today, reveals a strong correlation between unhealthy habits and increased risk of both long-term exhaustion and infection following cancer treatment.
Researchers at the DKFZ, led by Dr.Erika Schmidt, emphasize that addressing these lifestyle factors is crucial not only for improving quality of life but also for perhaps extending survival rates.
The report identifies several key risk factors:
Weight Gain & Obesity: The study found an 85% increase in the risk of long-term physical exhaustion among cancer survivors with obesity. The DKFZ defines obesity as a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher.
Smoking: Current smokers face a 20-39% higher risk of infection post-cancer treatment, according to the DKFZ data. This risk is especially pronounced in survivors of lung and head & neck cancers.
Physical Inactivity: A lack of regular physical activity increases the risk of infection by 38-78%. The DKFZ recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per week for cancer survivors.
To mitigate these risks, the German Cancer Research Center strongly advises cancer survivors to prioritize regular exercise and kinetic activities, alongside complete smoking cessation. The center’s recommendations align with guidelines from the American Cancer Society and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN).
Furthermore, the DKFZ stresses the importance of weight management for obese survivors. Losing weight, they say, not only significantly improves quality of life but also demonstrably increases the chances of long-term survival. The center is currently conducting a clinical trial, “ActiveLife,” at its Heidelberg location, investigating the efficacy of personalized exercise programs for breast cancer survivors experiencing fatigue.
