Exercise Program Reduces Risk of Colorectal Cancer Recurrence, Study Finds
A recent study presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago and published in the New England Journal of Medicine has revealed groundbreaking findings regarding the benefits of an exercise program in reducing the risk of colorectal cancer recurrence after surgery and chemotherapy.
The study, conducted by researchers at Queen’s University in Kingston, Canada, involved 889 participants with stage 3 and high-risk stage 2 colon cancer. These participants were randomly assigned to either participate in a structured exercise program or receive educational materials on the benefits of exercise. Those in the exercise program were provided with a coach who helped develop tailored exercises and checked in with them regularly for 3 years.
After a median follow-up of 7.9 years, it was found that patients in the structured exercise program had a 28% lower risk of cancer recurrence compared to those who only received health education materials. Additionally, the exercise program led to a 37% reduction in the risk of death, with 90% of patients on the exercise program still alive at 8 years compared to 83% of the control group.
The lead researcher, Christopher Booth, emphasized the impressive results of the study, highlighting that for every 14 people, exercise prevented one person from dying. He also noted that the structured exercise program was remarkably affordable, with a total cost of $3,000 to $4,000 for three or four years.
The study’s findings underscore the importance of providing support and structure to patients in making lifestyle changes, rather than simply educating them about the benefits of exercise. Booth emphasized the need for health systems, hospitals, and payers to support these programs to ensure that patients have access to physical activity consultants and realize health benefits.
Physicians can play a crucial role in helping patients commit to regular exercise by finding creative ways to integrate physical activity into their lives. Dr. Julie Gralow, the chief medical officer of ASCO, shared her experience of starting a support group for women with cancer to exercise together and engaging in physical activities with her patients to inspire them to prioritize their health.
Overall, the study’s results highlight the significant impact of exercise in reducing the risk of colorectal cancer recurrence and improving survival rates. By implementing structured exercise programs and providing ongoing support to patients, healthcare providers can empower individuals to take control of their health and well-being.
