Exercise holds equal significance as medication in minimizing the reoccurrence of colon cancer.
In the global cancer landscape, colorectal cancer ranks as the third most common malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer deaths, claiming about 10% of all cancer cases[1]. Typical treatments encompass surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, followed by a emphasis on healthy habits after initial treatment to decrease the likelihood of recurrence.
Recently, a trailblazing study led by Canadian researchers has uncovered a game-changing finding: a structured exercise program substantially improves the odds of colon cancer patients avoiding a relapse[2]. Compared to patients who receive only health advice, those following a supervised exercise program reported a reduced risk of recurrence by 28% and a diminished risk of death from any cause by 37%[5].
The study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), has sparked discussions among experts, who posit that exercise may even outperform medications in this context[2].
The research involved 889 participants, mostly from Canada, Australia, the United States, the U.K., and France. All participants had undergone surgery for stage 3 or high-risk stage 2 colon cancer followed by adjuvant chemotherapy to prevent a return of the cancer. They ranged in age from 19 to 84, with a median age of 61[3].
Researches randomly assigned participants to two groups. The exercise group, consisting of 445 patients, had weekly meetings with certified physical activity consultants for the first six months, fortnightly meetings for the next six months, and monthly meetings for the following two years. During this time, they could choose their preferred type, frequency, and intensity of aerobic activities, striving for the equivalent of 3-4 brisk 45-60 minute walks per week[3].
The health-education group (444 patients) received general health-education materials promoting physical activity and healthy eating in addition to standard surveillance[3].
At a median follow-up of 7.9 years, 131 participants in the health-education group experienced a recurrence, a new primary cancer, or died compared to 93 in the exercise group[3]. Additionally, 66 participants in the health-education group died from any cause compared to 41 in the exercise group[3].
The researchers emphasized that the most significant finding of their study was the overall improvement in survival[4]. They also observed significant improvements in physical functioning and disease-free survival for the exercise group.
Some experts have hailed the results as evidence that exercise could be 'better than a drug' at preventing colon cancer recurrence[2]. However, it is essential to remember that drugs remain an integral part of treatment for many colon cancer patients, and exercise should not replace medication[4].
In addition to the patient benefits, structured exercise programs have the potential to be much more cost-effective than medications[4].
The study offers hope and encourages healthcare professionals to integrate exercise into their post-treatment care plans and provide tailored support to patients[6]. Despite the clear benefits of exercise, there remain barriers to regular exercise participation, which need to be addressed to ensure patients can engage in this life-changing practice[6].
- In oncology, particularly concerning colorectal cancer, structured exercise programs could potentially be more effective than medications in preventing cancer recurrence, following groundbreaking research.
- The seconds-long advantage of a brisk walk, combined with personalized fitness advice, significantly decreases the risk of colorectal cancer recurrence by 28%, according to a study in The New England Journal of Medicine.
- The importance of physical activity and healthy habits in medicine has been underscored by this study, which has sparked debates among experts in health-and-wellness, suggesting that exercise may outperform certain medications.
- The study, involving participants worldwide, demonstrated that exercise not only improves the odds of colon cancer patients avoiding a relapse but also contributes to an overall improvement in survival.
- In the realm of science and fitness-and-exercise, experts propose that exercise, in conjunction with standard medical treatment, could be a vital element in managing and preventing medical-conditions like colorectal cancer.
- Encouraged by the study's findings, healthcare professionals should integrate exercise into post-treatment care plans, addressing barriers to regular exercise participation to ensure patients can reap its life-changing benefits.
