Colon cancer has been making headlines recently, with more young people being diagnosed with the disease. But now, a groundbreaking new study is offering hope for patients.
In a first-of-its-kind international study, researchers found that colon cancer patients who participated in a three-year exercise coaching program experienced 28% fewer cancer recurrences and were 37% less likely to die from any cause. Experts are saying these findings, which were presented Sunday at the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s (ASCO) annual meeting in Chicago, are the strongest proof to date that structured physical activity can actively improve cancer outcomes. Here’s exactly what the scientists found and what you should take away from the results.
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Consistent Exercise Helps Prevent Colon Cancer From Returning, Study Finds
The new study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, followed 889 colon cancer patients with Stage 3 or high-risk Stage 2 colon cancer who had undergone surgery and chemotherapy treatment across the U.S., Canada, Australia, the U.K., and Israel, for 8 years from 2009 through 2024.
Half of these patients were paired with coaches who helped them develop sustainable exercise habits, with most walking for 45 minutes four days a week, that they maintained for three years with the help of regular meet-ups (every two weeks for a year, then monthly for two more years).
The second half was given educational info that promoted the benefits of exercising regularly and eating healthy, but were not given coaching or programs to do so.
According to researchers, the benefits the exercise group experienced were remarkable in terms of remission and survival.
On average, studies show that Stage 3 colon cancer returns in about 35% of patients within five years of treatment.
But, the study authors found that the colon cancer patients who exercised consistently for three years had:
- a 28% lower risk of colon cancer returning compared to those who simply received educational materials
- a 37% lower risk of death from any cause
- a lower risk of other cancers, including breast and other colorectal cancers
- an increase in minor musculoskeletal issues, but an overall more active lifestyle
Doctors Call the Results “Astounding”
“When we saw the results, we were just astounded,” said study co-author Dr. Christopher Booth, a cancer doctor at Kingston Health Sciences Centre in Kingston, Ontario, according to the Associated Press.
He believes the studies results show that regular exercise can be “a remarkably affordable intervention that will make people feel better, have fewer cancer recurrences, and help them live longer.”
Other experts agree. While previous research has been done in this area, this study is the first of its kind to show a cause-and-effect relationship between exercise and cancer recovery.
“Now we can say definitively exercise causes improvements in survival,” said the study’s co-author, Kerry Courneya, a cancer and exercise researcher at the University of Alberta.
Further studies will look into why exercise has such a profound effect on cancer—whether it has something to do with the body’s immune system, insulin processing, composition, or other factors.
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Experts hope that these new findings may prompt insurance companies and cancer centers to start covering fitness coaching as part of colon cancer recovery treatment. However, what’s key is supporting patients with an exercise coach who can tailor a workout program to them—and make sure that they stay consistent.
As Dr. Booth said, “It’s not as simple as telling people to exercise. We know that for many people, getting an exercise habit is very difficult. We really need [insurers] to cover this.”
Until then, survivors and those who are at risk of colon cancer can take comfort in knowing that even a little movement goes a long way.
“One of the common questions that oncologists get asked when a patient finishes chemo is, ‘What else can I do, doc?’ And this is really definitive,” Dr. Booth added. “We can now say a structured exercise program done with a coach can improve your outcomes.”
Content shared from bestlifeonline.com.