Regular Exercise After Colon Cancer Treatment Significantly Enhances Survival Rates

Regular Exercise After Colon Cancer Treatment Significantly Enhances Survival Rates

Engaging in regular physical activity in the three years following treatment for colon cancer may lead to substantial improvements in survival rates, as highlighted by recent international research.

The study involved 889 colon cancer patients who had undergone surgery and chemotherapy. These patients were divided into two distinct groups.

One group participated in a structured group exercise program over three years, while the second group received educational health materials only, according to a press release about the study.

Types of Exercises Promoted

Participants in the exercise group were encouraged to select their own forms of moderate-intensity activities. Options included walking, swimming, or playing pickleball. The aim was to accumulate at least two and a half hours of physical activity each week, fostering a routine that aligns with their lifestyles.

Impact on Recurrence and Survival

After eight years, researchers noted that those in the exercise group exhibited a 28% lower likelihood of cancer recurrence or the development of new cancers. Additionally, these participants demonstrated a 37% improvement in overall survival rates compared to the control group.

Study co-chair Dr. Kerry Courneya, a kinesiology professor at the University of Alberta and a Canada Research Chair specializing in Physical Activity and Cancer, remarked on the findings: “Our results indicate that exercise should be viewed not merely as a quality-of-life enhancement for cancer patients but as an essential part of treatment for colon cancer. It should be made accessible to all patients.”

Patient Experiences Shed Light on Benefits

One notable participant, Terri Swain-Collins, was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in 2021. Following her surgery and chemotherapy, she took part in the clinical trial assigned to the exercise group. With the guidance of a physiotherapist, she developed a tailored fitness plan that suited her needs.

“The structured routine significantly benefited my lifestyle, alongside having someone to help keep me accountable,” Swain-Collins stated. She emphasized that simply being advised to exercise by a physician would not have motivated her as effectively as having personalized support throughout her journey.

Three years post-treatment, Swain-Collins remains cancer-free and maintains her commitment to regular exercise.

Addressing the Role of Exercise in Treatment Protocols

This landmark study marks the first comprehensive examination of structured exercise’s effect on cancer survival rates, according to researchers. The implications of these findings are vast.

Dr. Chris Booth, another co-chair and a medical oncologist at Kingston Health Sciences Centre, asserted the necessity of implementing these exercise protocols into standard treatment practices. “Health systems must invest in behavioral support programs as integral components of cancer care to improve patient outcomes,” he noted.

Cost-Effectiveness of Exercise as a Treatment

Incorporating exercise into treatment strategies for cancer patients may also prove to be remarkably cost-effective compared to many traditional cancer drugs. This finding opens doors to a new approach to rehabilitation and support for cancer survivors and can lead to improved quality of life.

However, the study did reveal that participants in the exercise group experienced a higher incidence of muscle strains or injuries. Specifically, 18.5% of these patients developed such issues, compared to 11.5% among those who did not engage in the exercise program.

Published Findings and Future Research

The significant findings from this study were published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Researchers also presented the results at the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s annual meeting in Chicago.

This study received funding from the Canadian Cancer Society, underscoring the commitment to enhance cancer care through innovative research.

Understanding Colorectal Cancer Trends

Colorectal cancer ranks as the third most prevalent cancer diagnosed in both men and women across the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. Alarmingly, rates of diagnosis for individuals under the age of 50 have increased annually by 2.4% from 2012 to 2021.

As the prevalence of this disease grows, implementing supportive measures, such as structured exercise programs, becomes ever more crucial to improve patient outcomes and quality of life for colon cancer survivors.