A landmark international trial revealed groundbreaking findings about colon cancer.
Rabat – According to a groundbreaking international study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, regular physical activity can significantly increase survival rates among colon cancer patients, reducing the risk of death by over one-third. The study’s findings were initially reported by BBC News.
The extensive trial, involving 889 colon cancer survivors, discovered that patients following a structured exercise program experienced notably improved survival rates compared to those who only received standard health advice.
These findings directly link physical exercise with colon cancer reduction and suggest that patients should adopt an exercise regiment along with their treatment.
Over a five-year period, 80% of participants who regularly exercised remained cancer-free, compared to 74% in the non-exercising group, representing a 28% reduction in the risk of cancer recurrence or new cancer development.
Remarkably, eight years after initial treatment, the study recorded an even greater benefit: only 10% of participants in the exercise group had passed away, compared to 17% of those who did not regularly exercise. This represented a striking 37% reduction in overall mortality risk.
Vicky Coyle, a professor in Queen’s University Belfast and a leading researcher on the project, described the findings as “transformative,” suggesting that physical activity should now be viewed as a fundamental aspect of cancer treatment, rather than merely complementary.
“It’s a shift in mindset-treatment as something you actively participate in rather than simply receive,” Coyle explained.
Participants engaged in various physical activities—from brisk walking and swimming to dance classes like salsa—with an aim to complete double the recommended exercise guidelines for the general population.
This translated into approximately three to four sessions of moderate exercise each week, lasting 45 to 60 minutes.
Joe Henson –from the University of Leicester – observed participants during the study and noted significant improvements beyond physical health.
“Participants experienced reduced fatigue, better moods, and increased physical strength. We know physical activity regulates key biological processes, which, according to the BBC, could include effects on growth hormones, inflammation levels, and immune system functioning, potentially influencing inflammation, immune function, and hormone levels, all crucial in preventing cancer recurrence,” Henson noted.
Colon cancer remains a significant public health concern worldwide, with thousands diagnosed annually.
Caroline Geraghty from Cancer Research UK emphasized the importance of integrating these findings into practical healthcare approaches.
“This trial could revolutionize cancer care, but implementation will depend heavily on available funding and resources,” she said to the BBC.
Researchers are optimistic that similar structured exercise programs may soon become integral to treatment regimens for other cancers, including breast cancer, as the scientific community continues to investigate the profound health benefits of physical activity.
