A recent national study has shed light on the specific challenges faced by women cancer survivors, underscoring how their recovery and well-being are often impacted in unique and disproportionate ways compared to men. The findings reveal a concerning pattern where emotional and physical struggles intertwine, making it harder for women to stay physically active — a key factor in maintaining quality of life and supporting recovery.
Key highlights from the survey include:
- Women cancer survivors were found to be 69 percent more likely than their male counterparts to experience cancer-related fatigue.
- They were also 58 percent more likely to report symptoms of depression compared to men.
- Together, these issues — fatigue and depression — contribute to lower levels of physical activity, which not only diminishes daily quality of life but can also slow down the recovery process.
These insights emphasize the need for targeted support strategies and interventions that address both the physical and emotional dimensions of recovery for women after cancer treatment.
Understanding the Disparity in Cancer Recovery
Cancer leaves a profound mark on both the body and mind, regardless of whether the patient is male or female. Yet, new insights are revealing that women, in particular, face heightened challenges during and after treatment — notably in the areas of fatigue and depression. These findings, presented this week at the American Association for Cancer Research 2025 annual meeting, highlight the pressing need for more nuanced care strategies tailored to the unique experiences of female cancer survivors.
Women Face Higher Rates of Fatigue and Depression
“As a resident physician at a city hospital, I see lots of cancer patients whose primary complaint isn’t pain, weight loss, or poor appetite — it’s fatigue,” says Simo Du, MD, a resident at NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, who led the team that analyzed responses from a recent national survey. Dr. Du and her team discovered that women reported overwhelming exhaustion at much higher rates than men, significantly impairing their daily activities.
By reviewing data from the 2015 and 2022 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which covers depression and anxiety assessments, the researchers identified a concerning trend. Out of 1,555 cancer survivor responses, even after adjusting for factors like age, race, socioeconomic status, and coexisting conditions, the disparity was clear: women were 69 percent more likely than men to experience cancer-related fatigue and 58 percent more likely to suffer from depression.
“These issues are substantial and underemphasized, especially when it comes to how they differ between men and women,” Dr. Du emphasizes. “It’s critical for clinicians to routinely screen patients for fatigue and depression, from the time of diagnosis through the treatment and survivorship phases.”
The Role of Daily Responsibilities in Cancer Burden
The reasons behind these sex-based disparities appear to be multifaceted. Differences in how men’s and women’s bodies absorb drugs, immune system reactions, and hormone regulation may all contribute, the researchers suggest. But beyond biology, social roles and expectations weigh heavily on female survivors.
“Gendered work expectations often mean women take on more caregiving responsibilities, even when undergoing treatment,” explains Scherezade Mama, DrPh, assistant professor in the department of health disparities research at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, who was not involved in the survey. “This added burden may partially explain why women experience a heavier ‘cancer burden.’”
This greater load can erode energy reserves, making it even harder for women to bounce back emotionally or physically. For many, fatigue leads to cutting back on physical activity — something that was highlighted in the survey data, where survivors with fatigue were 86 percent more likely to reduce activity, and those with depression, 65 percent more likely. Interestingly, though, this didn’t significantly affect work-related activity, indicating that many women continue pushing themselves at work despite struggling at home.
Exercise: A Key Tool in Cancer Recovery
Fatigue and depression don’t just sap energy — they create a cycle of inactivity that can slow recovery and diminish quality of life. But experts emphasize that staying physically active, even in small ways, can help break this cycle.
“Physical activity is important across the cancer care continuum,” Dr. Mama explains. “We recommend it to prevent and reduce cancer risk initially, but also during active treatment, and continuing into recovery and survivorship.”
Exercise offers a wide range of benefits: it reduces the severity of treatment side effects, improves mental health, enhances fitness, and has even been linked to lower risks of cancer recurrence and death. A major research review found that consistent exercise can significantly ease fatigue and depression, two of the most common and troubling symptoms among survivors.
Perhaps most importantly, physical activity offers a sense of empowerment. “Cancer survivors often tell me that keeping up a regular exercise routine helps them feel like they’re controlling their cancer journey,” Dr. Mama shares. “At a time when so many things, like how they respond to treatment, are out of their hands, exercise becomes something they can manage themselves.”
What Exercise Should Cancer Patients Do?
When it comes to exercise during or after treatment, both Dr. Mama and Dr. Du recommend aiming for a balanced routine. Ideally, this includes at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise two to three times a week, combined with two resistance-training sessions.
“Both aerobic and resistance exercises have numerous positive effects on cancer treatment-related symptoms, including fatigue and depression,” says Dr. Mama. “They also improve physical functioning, reduce anxiety, and enhance sleep, all of which contribute to better overall quality of life.”
Importantly, she stresses that the type of exercise matters less than finding something enjoyable and sustainable. Whether it’s walking, dancing, swimming, or light strength training, the key is consistency. “Every little bit counts,” Dr. Mama emphasizes.
To make sure they’re exercising safely and effectively, patients are encouraged to seek referrals from their healthcare team. Physical therapists and certified fitness trainers experienced in working with cancer survivors can help design individualized programs tailored to each person’s abilities and limitations.
For additional guidance, the American College of Sports Medicine’s Moving Through Cancer initiative provides a range of resources and exercise programs for survivors, clinicians, and caregivers, helping ensure that survivors receive the support they need to stay active and improve their recovery outcomes.
While fatigue and depression pose serious challenges — particularly for women — experts agree that targeted screening, social support, and a steady commitment to physical activity can make a meaningful difference in helping survivors reclaim their strength and quality of life.
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