Exercise can considerably reduce the risk of recurrence of colon cancer, the results of the study
Although several observational studies have shown the anti -cancer advantages of the exercise, this first of all in its its kind provides more definitive and high level evidence that coherent physical activity can prevent colorectal cancer from returning.
“These results now provide us with a clear response: an exercise program that includes a personal coach will reduce the risk of recurring or new cancer, will make you feel better and help you live longer,” said Dr. Booth.
1 on high -risk colon cancer survivors may feel a recurrence
After completing surgery and chemotherapy, nearly a third of people with high -risk colon cancer can possibly feel a recurrence of their disease. After recurrence, colon cancer can be more difficult to treat.
In this study, researchers assessed how to follow a structured exercise program could further reduce the risk of recurring or new cancer compared to the simple request to exercise.
Personalized exercise advice make a difference
This clinical trial involved 889 people registered between 2009 and 2023, which finished surgery followed by chemotherapy for colon cancer at high risk of stadium 2 and stadium 3. Participants were 61 years old on average, a little over half were women and 90% had stadium cancer 3. Although patients came from all over the world, most of them came from Canada and Australia.
Half of the patients were randomly assigned to participate in a three -year structured exercise program involving aerobic activities with moderate intensity such as walking, cycling, swimming or exercise on an elliptical machine, while the other half received standard care, which involved receiving educational equipment promoting physical activity and healthy food.
As part of the structured exercise program, participants worked with a personal coach. During the first six months, they met the coach twice a month for coach sessions. After learning the type of aerobic exercise that each person appreciated, the trainer gave everyone a “exercise prescription” to strike a specific quantity of activity.
After six months, participants met their trainers once a month, with additional sessions available for additional support if necessary. The objective of the program was to support the change in physical activity.
While the inhabitants of the two groups improved their physical function during the years of the intervention, the results were much better for people who worked with a coach.
At five years old, the rate of survival -free survival was 80% in the group of structured exercise programs, compared to 74% in the standard care group. This meant that the people of the group of structured exercises lowered their risk of new or recurrent cancer by 28%.
After eight years, overall survival was 90% for people in the structured exercise group, compared to 83% in the standard care group. This was equivalent to a 37% risk of death for people in the group of structured exercises.
Having a solid plan made participants more likely to stick to the exercise
“The structured exercise program has had a deep impact on cancer survival results, while improving the fundamental physiological basis and functional capacity, improving the measuring quality of life, and thus impacting global well-being, with minimum undesirable effects”, explains Y. Nancy You, MD, MD, professor of colonist and rectal surgery at the University of Texas MD Anderson In Houston, who was not involved in research.
In the group of structured exercises, 19% reported side effects that affected their bones, joints and muscles, such as muscle strains or their bone fractures, compared to 12% in the standard care group.
John Marshall MD, Medical Chief Consultant of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance and Director of the Street Center for the Cure of Gastrointestinal Cancers at the University of Georgetown in Washington, DC, notes that although the intervention is only three years old, the advantages extended far beyond.
“The results suggest that if you start a structured exercise program, you are more likely to be there for yourself. This is one of your daily habits, ”explains Dr. Marshall, who was not the author of the study.
Exercise can be equivalent to certain chemo drugs
“The study shows that the exercise has such an important and even larger impact as certain chemotherapy drugs in terms of overall results for patients,” he said. “It is a remarkable result. This study justifies our recommendations and quantifies the extent of the advantages. ”
As to know why exercise can help fight cancer, the authors suggest that it can have positive effects on metabolism, inflammation and immune function, although these factors have not been examined in this study.
“Now we have to ask insurers to cover our personal coaches,” says Marshall. “They will cover chemo, but they will not cover the personal coach while in fact, the personal coach can produce better results than medicines.”
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