Exercise improves colon cancer survival, major study shows

An exercise program for colon cancer patients can reduce the risk of dying by one-third. This finding comes from a major international trial.

Researchers noted that the amount of exercise was "not a large amount." Any type of workout counts, including swimming and salsa classes.

These results could change how colon cancer is treated worldwide. Scientists are also exploring if similar exercise programs can help other diseases, like breast cancer.

Prof. Vicky Coyle from Queen's University Belfast said, "It's a bit of a mind-shift." She emphasized thinking of treatment as something active, not just medication.

In the trial, participants began a three-year exercise program soon after chemotherapy. The goal was to double the recommended exercise for the general population.

This meant three to four sessions of brisk walking each week. Each session lasted 45 to 60 minutes, according to Prof. Coyle.

Participants received weekly coaching for the first six months. After that, coaching sessions were reduced to once a month.

The trial involved 889 patients. Half followed the exercise program while the other half received leaflets on healthy living.

Results published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed significant findings after five years:

- 80% of those exercising remained cancer-free.
- Only 74% in the other group stayed cancer-free.

This indicates a 28% reduction in the risk of cancer recurrence or new cancers forming.

Eight years post-treatment, only 10% of those exercising died. In contrast, 17% in the health advice group died.

This marks a 37% lower risk of death among those who exercised.

The exact reasons for these benefits are unclear. Possible factors include effects on growth hormones and inflammation levels in the body.

Dr. Joe Henson from the University of Leicester called these results "exciting." He observed improvements in fatigue, mood, and physical strength among participants.

He noted that physical activity regulates key biological processes that may explain these outcomes. Further research will help clarify why exercise has such positive effects.

Colon cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK. About 31,800 people are diagnosed each year.

Caroline Geraghty from Cancer Research UK stated that this trial could transform clinical practice. However, she stressed that funding and staff are necessary to implement it effectively for patients.