Implementing Lifestyle Medicine in Cancer Survivorship: A Narrative Review of Global Models

Cardiovascular disease and cancer are the leading causes of mortality in developed countries. Advances in screening and treatment have led to a growing population of cancer survivors who require long-term supportive care. Many experience persistent health challenges, including fatigue, functional decline, and cardiometabolic comorbidities. Lifestyle medicine, which includes nutrition, physical activity, stress management, sleep, social connections, and risk reduction, provides a structured approach to optimizing survivorship outcomes.This narrative review examines the role of Lifestyle Medicine in oncology and highlights global implementation models. Programs analyzed include the Mass General Cancer Center's Lifestyle Medicine Clinic, the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia's exercise oncology framework, the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi's Lifestyle Medicine Oncology Program, and Kansas City's community-based Cancer Wellness for Life initiative. Across diverse clinical settings, structured lifestyle interventions have been associated with improved treatment tolerance, quality of life, and the potential to reduce cardiometabolic risk factors. Hospital-based programs integrate multidisciplinary support, while community-driven initiatives expand access to lifestyle interventions. Despite strong evidence supporting these approaches, barriers to widespread adoption include gaps in clinician training, limited institutional support, and disparities in patient access. Global models show the feasibility and advantages of integrating Lifestyle Medicine into survivorship care. Increasing access, overcoming implementation challenges, and using technology can improve survivorship outcomes. Including Lifestyle Medicine in standard oncology care can improve long-term health and encourage survivors to manage their well-being actively.