A brisk walk a few times a week could help keep colon cancer away, study suggests
James Smith woke up from a routine colonoscopy to receive shocking news. At the age of 59, he was diagnosed with colon cancer. The doctors had discovered a large mass that completely obstructed their view of the rest of his colon. Smith was devastated by the news, finding it hard to believe that this was actually happening to him.
Following his diagnosis, Smith underwent surgery and underwent four rounds of chemotherapy. Despite the physical toll the treatments took on his body, he remained determined to fight the cancer. When his doctors proposed that he participate in a study focused on the role of regular exercise in preventing cancer recurrence, he agreed to join. Despite concerns about his weight loss and muscle mass during treatment, Smith was willing to give it a try.
The study, recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine, revealed promising results. Over a three-year period, patients with colon cancer who engaged in structured exercise had a significantly higher survival rate compared to those who only received informational pamphlets. This study, which spanned 15 years and involved 889 patients from multiple countries, focused on high-risk stages 2 and 3 colon cancer patients who had undergone surgery and chemotherapy.
Participants in the exercise group were assigned a physiotherapist or personal trainer to guide them through their workouts. The program required patients to engage in physical activity for up to 45 minutes, three times a week, with an elevated heart rate. Despite initial challenges, participants embraced various forms of exercise such as brisk walking, cycling, swimming, and weight training.
Dr. Chris Booth, one of the lead researchers, emphasized that the exercise program was not meant to replace traditional treatments but rather complement them. The study revealed a significant decrease in cancer recurrence among participants in the exercise group, with 80% remaining cancer-free after five years compared to 74% in the control group.
Dr. Sami Chadi, a colorectal surgeon, praised the study’s findings and stressed the importance of recommending structured exercise programs to colon cancer patients post-treatment. While the exact mechanisms behind the benefits of exercise remain unclear, researchers are planning to conduct further analysis to uncover the underlying factors.
For James Smith, who is now cancer-free and actively playing hockey in Edmonton, the study’s results offer hope and reassurance. He continues to prioritize his well-being and physical fitness, knowing that his commitment to exercise plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of cancer recurrence. Smith’s story serves as a testament to the transformative power of structured exercise in cancer recovery and prevention.
