Physical Activity May Hold Similar Advantages for Colon Cancer Patients as Certain Medicines
Fresh, original version:
investigation has confirmed that regular exercise significantly decreases the likelihood of colon cancer recurrence in individuals undergoing treatment. A new study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the annual conference of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in Chicago, revealed this fascinating finding.
The Phase 3, randomized controlled trial, spanning over eight years, involved nearly 900 participants from six countries. On average, participants were 61 years old, with approximately 90% of them diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer, a type that recurrence occurs in around one-third of patients within five years post-treatment.
Following treatment, half of the patients were enrolled in an exercise program led by professionals such as physical therapists, personal trainers, or kinesiologists. The remaining half received a booklet encouraging healthy lifestyles. The exercise program aimed to encourage participants to gradually increase their physical activity to reach a minimum weekly target of 10 MET hours.
The personalized exercise plans were tailored to each individual's preferences and lifestyle, often amounting to around 45 minutes of brisk walking, four days a week. The exercise program introduced a gradual increase in exercise over the first six months, with coaching sessions every two weeks for the first year. After this period, sessions were reduced to once a month for the next two years.
The trial found that individuals in the exercise program showed an impressive 28% reduction in the risk of colon cancer recurrence, new cancers, or death compared to those in the control group. Additionally, participants in the exercise group also experienced a lower risk of other cancers, including breast and colorectal cancers. This groundbreaking study indicates that 28% fewer patients in the exercise group experienced cancer recurrences compared to those who did not participate.
With these outstanding results, many healthcare professionals are advocating for structured exercise to become a standard part of colon cancer treatment.
Added Insights:
- The study is the first to randomly assign patients to an exercise program who may not have otherwise exercised after cancer treatment.
- The benefits of exercise extended beyond reducing cancer recurrence, with participants in the exercise group experiencing a 37% reduction in mortality risk.
- The structured exercise program has potential benefits with few side effects, which are common with other cancer treatments.
The study emphasizes the vital role of regular exercise in improving outcomes for colon cancer survivors, which may lead to a significant shift in global healthcare guidelines.
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Those interested in learning more about the amazing benefits of exercise for colon cancer survivors should definitely consult with healthcare professionals and consider incorporating a structured exercise program into their treatment plan. Embrace a healthier lifestyle today!
- Regular exercise, like the one studied in colon cancer patients, could potentially reduce the risk of new medical-conditions such as breast and colorectal cancers.
- A significant 28% decrease in the risk of cancer recurrence, new cancers, or death was observed in individuals who followed a structured exercise program, as revealed in the study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
- Incorporating fitness-and-exercise, under the guidance of professionals, into health-and-wellness routines can have positive effects on mental-health, especially for cancer survivors.
