A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has found that exercising after cancer treatment can significantly reduce the risk of colon cancer recurrence and death. The Phase 3 randomized controlled trial involved nearly 900 patients who underwent surgery and chemotherapy for Stage 3 or high-risk Stage 2 colon cancer. Half of the participants were enrolled in an exercise program, while the other half received a booklet encouraging them to exercise.
The goal was to increase exercise by 10 MET hours per week, equivalent to about 1.5-2.25 hours of brisk walking. The results showed that patients in the exercise group had a 28% lower risk of cancer recurrence or new diagnosis compared to those in the control group. They also had a 41% lower risk of death within eight years.
The study’s lead author, Dr. Christopher Booth, said that exercising with a coach led to more significant changes in behavior and improved outcomes. The researchers followed patients for about eight years, from 2009 to 2024.
While the exact mechanisms behind exercise’s effect on colon cancer recurrence are unclear, studies have shown that regular exercise can decrease the risk of breast, colon, and rectal cancer recurrence. Experts say that exercise should be a standard part of colon cancer treatment due to its benefits.
The study builds on previous observational studies showing that people with Stage 3 colon cancer who exercise regularly live longer than those who don’t. It highlights the importance of providing patients with access to structured exercise programs after cancer treatment, which can improve their outcomes and provide additional therapy options for oncologists.
Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/health/cancer/exercise-may-benefit-colon-cancer-patients-much-drugs-rcna209560