A new exercise program for colon cancer patients can significantly reduce the risk of dying from the disease, according to a major international trial. The study found that 80% of people who exercised remained cancer-free after five years, compared to 74% in those who received only health advice.
The three-year exercise program started soon after chemotherapy and aimed to get participants doing double the recommended amount of physical activity. Patients received weekly coaching sessions for the first six months, which then dropped to once a month.
The results showed an eight-year reduction in mortality rates, with 10% of those on the exercise program dying compared to 17% in the control group. This translates to a 37% lower risk of death from colon cancer.
Scientists are now investigating whether similar exercise programs can improve survival for people with other diseases, such as breast cancer. Researchers believe that physical activity regulates key biological processes that may explain the positive impact on colon cancer patients.
The study’s findings have the potential to transform clinical practice, but only if health services have the necessary funding and staff to implement it widely.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8xgyw7k7veo