2025-06-02T03:27:00Z

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What does the study say?

Recent research has unveiled that certain diabetic medications may play a role in lowering the risk of Alzheimer's disease, a finding that has significant implications for elderly populations and those living with diabetes. However, in a separate yet equally groundbreaking study, researchers have discovered that regular exercise can significantly enhance recovery in cancer patients, reducing mortality rates and the likelihood of cancer recurrence.

Exercise has long been acknowledged for its myriad benefits related to physical fitness and mental health, but the new findings provide a compelling case for its even greater importance in the context of cancer treatment. Regular physical activity not only promotes better mood and sleep patterns but also serves as a preventative measure against chronic diseases. Now, it appears that structured exercise regimens may also have potentially life-saving implications for individuals battling cancer.

The study, published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting held in Chicago, involved a diverse group of 889 colon cancer patients, primarily in stage three. Conducted over a decade, from 2009 to 2023, the trial divided participants into two distinct groups: one that adhered to a structured exercise program, and another that received only general lifestyle advice.

Participants in the exercise group engaged in bi-monthly sessions with certified personal trainers, gradually transitioning to monthly meetings over a three-year period. Their exercise goals included completing three to four walking sessions each week, each lasting between 45 to 60 minutes. The results were striking—after five years, those who participated in the structured exercise exhibited a 28% lower risk of cancer recurrence compared to those in the control group. By the eighth year, the mortality risk decreased by an impressive 37%.

Dr. Christopher Booth, the lead author of the study from Queen’s University in Kingston, Canada, emphasized the pivotal nature of these findings. He remarked, “After completing surgery and chemotherapy, approximately 30% of patients with high-risk stage two and stage three colon cancer experience a recurrence of their disease. Patients frequently ask what additional steps they can take to improve their prognosis, and this study provides a clear answer: engaging in an exercise program that includes a personal trainer can significantly decrease the risks of new or recurring cancer, enhance overall well-being, and prolong life.”

Experts are enthusiastic about the implications of these findings. Dr. Julie Gralow, chief medical officer of ASCO, who was not directly involved in the study, described the quality of its findings as possessing the “highest level of evidence,” anticipating a major shift in how physical activity is viewed in the context of cancer treatment. She went so far as to say that the benefits of exercise could be viewed as “better than a drug” due to its lack of adverse side effects, which are often associated with traditional cancer treatments.

Dr. Gralow expressed, “We may have to reconsider our approaches. The evidence suggests that structured physical activity could provide similar, if not superior, benefits compared to many approved medications. This new paradigm could revolutionize cancer treatment protocols.”

Prof. Charles Swanton, chief clinician at Cancer Research UK, echoed these sentiments, stressing the transformative potential of exercise in improving health outcomes following cancer treatment. He contended that physical activity might be a game-changer for many patients, significantly elevating their chances of surviving post-treatment.

However, he also provided a note of caution, advocating that while exercise is beneficial, it may not be suitable for everyone. Swanton urged cancer patients to consult their healthcare providers before embarking on new physical activities, acknowledging that each individual’s medical history and current condition must be considered.

The implications of this research are expected to influence medical practices on a global scale, encouraging healthcare providers to engage in discussions about the incorporation of exercise into post-treatment plans. Though the study focused specifically on colon cancer patients, experts, including Dr. Gralow, believe that these results could extend to other forms of cancer, potentially changing the landscape of cancer care.

Dr. Pamela Kunz from Yale School of Medicine highlighted the clear benefits of exercise as a therapeutic intervention, advocating for its broader implementation in cancer treatment protocols. She noted that integrating exercise into recovery plans could significantly improve patient outcomes.

Prof. Sir Stephen Powis, the national medical director of NHS England, expressed excitement about the potential life-changing effects of personalized exercise programs. He emphasized that even simple forms of physical activity, like walking, could dramatically enhance the body’s ability to combat cancer recurrence while potentially saving lives. Furthermore, he pointed out that increased physical activity could help to maintain a healthy weight, bolster the immune system, reduce inflammation, and elevate mood, reinforcing the crucial role exercise may play in cancer survivorship.