Why Cancer Survivors Aren’t Meeting Movement Standards—and What Yoga Professionals Can Do

Despite well‐established guidelines recommending regular activity—for instance, 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week plus strength training—most cancer patients and survivors fall well short of these standards. Accelerometer data from the NHANES study show that a staggering 95.5% of five-year cancer survivors did not meet CDC physical activity guidelines [3]. National surveillance data indicate that in 2022, 36.7% of adult cancer survivors reported no leisure-time physical activity, and only 15.9% met both aerobic and muscle-strengthening federal recommendations [4]. Focused research on breast cancer survivors reveals similarly concerning numbers: just 20% to 54% meet aerobic exercise targets, and a mere 12% meet muscle-strengthening recommendations [1,2]. Furthermore, less than one-third of all U.S. cancer survivors meet the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans [5,6].

This widespread inactivity not only amplifies risks of recurrence and mortality but also signals a clear call to action. Exercise-oncology professionals—including oncology yoga specialists—must be forceful advocates for survivors, equipping them with feasible, adaptable movement strategies and dismantling participation barriers. By combining advocacy with personalized, evidence-based instruction—from tailored yoga sequences to group-based movement programs—these professionals can help bridge the gap between survivorship standards and survivors’ daily lived experience.

The Role of the Oncology Yoga Professional

Professionals trained in Oncology Yoga act as vital bridges between the clinical world and the wellness community. They are equipped to:

• Interpret research and translate exercise oncology principles into safe, effective yoga practices.
• Tailor sessions to individual needs across the cancer continuum—from diagnosis through long-term survivorship or end-of-life care.
• Collaborate with healthcare teams and advocate for integrative approaches to care.

As the evidence continues to grow, the role of trained Oncology Yoga professionals becomes increasingly essential—not only to deliver movement safely, but also to restore a sense of agency, connection, and healing through a deeply empowering practice.

Learn more about professional Oncology Yoga programs and courses. Or find a certified Oncology Yoga professional near you.