Summary
A large study found that exercise can reduce the risk of dying from colon cancer by a third. This trial included an exercise program for colon cancer patients, which showed significant improvements in survival rates compared to those who did not follow the program. The study results suggest that exercise could become a key part of colon cancer treatment.
Key Facts
- The study showed that exercise reduced the risk of dying from colon cancer by about 33%.
- The program was international and included 889 patients.
- Patients were divided into two groups: one did an exercise program, and the other received healthy lifestyle advice through leaflets.
- Patients in the exercise group had a 28% lower risk of the cancer returning or a new cancer developing after five years.
- Eight years after treatment, 10% of the exercise group had died compared to 17% who only received leaflets.
- The exercise program aimed for patients to do at least twice the exercise of average guidelines, like 3-4 sessions of walking weekly.
- Initial coaching was frequent, with weekly sessions dropping to monthly ones after six months.
- The exact reasons exercise helps are unclear, but it may affect hormones, inflammation, and the immune system.
