Exercising regularly in the three years following treatment for colon cancer could significantly improve survival rates, according to an international study. Researchers found that patients who participated in a structured exercise program had a 37% higher overall survival rate and a 28% lower risk of cancer recurrence compared to those who received standard health education.
The study, which included 889 colon cancer patients, divided participants into two groups: one engaged in a tailored exercise program, while the other received information on healthy lifestyle choices. Exercise participants were encouraged to choose moderate-intensity activities like walking or pickleball, aiming for 2.5 hours of activity per week. The results, published in The New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the ASCO annual meeting, suggest that exercise could be a vital component of cancer treatment protocols.
Dr. Kerry Courneya, a lead researcher, emphasized that exercise has evolved from being a mere quality-of-life measure to a potential treatment. The study’s findings call for the integration of structured exercise into standard care, with health systems needing to invest in behavior support programs. Dr. Chris Booth noted that implementing exercise as an anti-cancer tool could be cost-effective compared to many new cancer treatments.
While the benefits are clear, the study also reported that exercise participants were more prone to muscle strains or injuries. Nevertheless, the research underscores the importance of physical activity in cancer recovery, with real-world examples like Terri Swain-Collins, a patient who achieved remission through consistent exercise and physiotherapist guidance.
The Canadian Cancer Society funded the study, which aims to address the growing incidence of colorectal cancer, particularly among younger populations. With the disease being the third-most common in the U.S., these findings could reshape post-treatment care standards for cancer patients.