Regular exercise has numerous benefits, including reducing the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that cancer patients who participated in a structured exercise program had better outcomes, living longer without cancer recurrence and having a lower risk of death. The study’s findings suggest that exercise should be a key component of cancer treatment, helping patients live longer and healthier lives. By incorporating exercise into their care plan, cancer patients can potentially improve their survival rates and reduce the risk of recurrence of cancer.
The study tells how regular exercise lowers the risk of cancer recurrence
The clinical trial, conducted across multiple countries, followed nearly 900 patients diagnosed with stage II and stage III colon cancer. Participants had completed surgery and chemotherapy and were split into two groups: one group received structured exercise coaching twice monthly for the first six months, then monthly for three years, and the other group received usual care without specific exercise guidance.
The results of the study were striking
Those in the exercise group had a 28% lower risk of cancer recurrence or developing a new cancer. More significantly, they had a 37% lower risk of death from any cause during an eight-year follow-up period. Cardiovascular fitness and endurance also improved in the exercise group, as shown by a better six-minute walk test and VO₂ max results.
Experts suggest structured exercise should be a part of a cancer recovery plan
As CNN spoke with Dr. Leana Wen, the potential for exercise to revolutionize cancer treatment became clear. The study’s findings are significant, showing that exercise can substantially reduce the risk of recurrent or new cancers and death. According to Dr. Wen, these results could change cancer treatment protocols. Currently, patients often receive general advice to exercise after treatment, but many don’t receive structured support. She suggests that patients should have “exercise prescriptions” and healthcare providers should track their progress. Insurance companies might also consider covering health coaching for cancer patients, potentially reducing the need for costly treatments.
Why exercise helps fight cancer
According to Dr. Leana Wen, exercise doesn’t just make you feel good, it alters your body at a cellular and hormonal level, helping to:
- Regulate hormones like insulin and estrogen that are linked to cancer growth.
- Reduce chronic inflammation, which contributes to cancer progression.
- Enhance immune function, supporting your body’s ability to detect and destroy abnormal cells.
- Support a healthy body weight, which is a major factor in cancer recurrence.
- This multi-layered impact makes exercise a powerful, non-pharmacological tool for improving cancer outcomes.
