Exercise Outperforms Medication in Reducing Cancer Recurrence, Study Shows
A new international study reveals that consistent exercise is more effective than some medications in preventing cancer recurrence and lowering mortality rates among colon cancer patients. The research, presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting, highlights the significant “treatment effect” of regular physical activity.
The Study: Exercise vs. Healthy Lifestyle Guidance
The study, conducted across six countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, France, Canada, and Israel, involved 889 patients with stage 3 colon cancer from 2009 to 2023. Researchers from Queens University in Kingston, Canada, divided participants into two groups to analyze the long-term effects of structured exercise programs.
Group A (445 patients) engaged in a systematic exercise program with a personal trainer for three years, performing aerobic exercises like walking 3-4 times per week for 45-65 minutes per session. Group B (444 patients) received only guidance on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Did You Know? …
According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 23 men and 1 in 25 women will develop colorectal cancer during their lifetime. Early detection and lifestyle interventions are crucial in improving outcomes.
Significant Reduction in Recurrence and Mortality
After following the health of both groups for five years, the team discovered that Group A, which participated in the exercise program, had a 28% lower risk of colorectal cancer recurrence or developing a new cancer compared to Group B. Eight years later,the risk of death decreased by 37% in the exercise group.
Julie Gralow, Chief Medical Officer at ASCO, emphasized the profound impact of the findings, stating, “Exercise is better than medicine.”
Pro Tip: …
Consult with your physician before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have been diagnosed with cancer. A tailored exercise plan can maximize benefits and minimize risks.
Implications for Other Cancers
While this study focused on colorectal cancer patients, researchers suggest that similar investigations are needed to explore the anticancer effects of exercise in other carcinomas, such as breast cancer, lung cancer, and prostate cancer. Recent research in Korea has already indicated that cancer patients can lower their risk of heart disease by 20% if they exercise steadily.
Since anticancer drugs and radiation therapy can burden the heart, regular exercise is particularly important for cancer patients to alleviate these side effects. The American heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week for overall cardiovascular health.
re-evaluating Cancer Treatment Approaches
Experts argue that the results of this study should prompt a re-evaluation of cancer treatment approaches, recognizing exercise as a key element of treatment rather than merely an auxiliary means. One specialist noted that the study demonstrated practical medical effects in terms of improving survival rates and preventing recurrence,extending beyond simple health maintenance.
The specialist added,”Both medical staff and patients should recognize exercise as an ‘extension of treatment’ rather than an option.” in the later stages of cancer treatment, ‘prognosis management’ can be more effective than drugs alone.
| Metric | Exercise Group (A) | Control group (B) |
|---|---|---|
| Risk of Cancer Recurrence | 28% Lower | Baseline |
| Risk of Death (8 years later) | 37% lower | Baseline |
| Exercise Frequency | 3-4 times/week | N/A |
| Session Duration | 45-65 minutes | N/A |
The Evergreen Benefits of Exercise
The benefits of exercise extend far beyond cancer prevention and treatment. Regular physical activity is linked to improved cardiovascular health, weight management, mental well-being, and reduced risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. the World Health Organization recommends that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity per week for overall health benefits. These guidelines underscore the importance of incorporating exercise into daily life for long-term health and well-being.
frequently Asked Questions About Exercise and Cancer
- How does exercise compare to medicine in cancer treatment?
- A recent study indicates that regular exercise can be more effective than certain medications in preventing cancer recurrence and reducing mortality, particularly in colon cancer patients. Exercise offers a powerful ‘treatment effect’ that complements traditional medical interventions.
- what type of exercise is most beneficial for cancer patients?
- The study focused on aerobic exercises such as walking, performed 3-4 times per week for 45-65 minutes per session. This type of consistent, moderate-intensity exercise has shown significant benefits in reducing cancer recurrence and improving survival rates.
- Which cancer types benefit most from exercise interventions?
- The current study specifically examined the effects of exercise on stage 3 colon cancer patients. Though, researchers suggest that similar studies are needed to explore the benefits of exercise for other cancer types, including breast cancer, lung cancer, and prostate cancer.
- Why is exercise important for cancer patients undergoing treatment?
- Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy can burden the heart and lead to other side effects. Regular exercise helps to mitigate these side effects, improve cardiovascular health, and enhance overall well-being during and after cancer treatment.
- How much does exercise reduce the risk of cancer recurrence?
- The study found that patients who participated in a systematic exercise program had a 28% lower risk of colorectal cancer recurrence or developing a new cancer compared to those who only received healthy lifestyle guidance. Furthermore,their risk of death decreased by 37% eight years later.
- What is the recommended approach to integrating exercise into cancer care?
- Experts emphasize that exercise should be recognized as a key element of cancer treatment, not merely an auxiliary means. Medical staff and patients should view exercise as an extension of treatment, incorporating it into prognosis management to improve survival rates and prevent recurrence.
Disclaimer: This article provides details about a recent study on exercise and cancer. It is indeed not intended to provide medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your treatment plan.
What are your thoughts on the role of exercise in cancer treatment? How can healthcare providers better integrate exercise into patient care plans?
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