Despite these troubling trends, there’s positive news: overall cancer survival rates continue to improve, thanks to advances in early detection, targeted therapies, and lifestyle interventions. The U.S. cancer mortality rate has dropped by 34% since 1991, largely due to declines in smoking rates and better screening practices.

The study1 analyzed data from 28,248 cancer patients enrolled in South Africa’s Discovery Health Medical Scheme. All participants were part of the Vitality health promotion program, which tracked their physical activity through fitness devices, gym visits, and organized events.