New Study Highlights the Impact of Exercise on Cancer Survival Rates
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has unveiled significant findings regarding the role of exercise in improving outcomes for cancer patients. The research indicates that engaging in structured exercise programs can lead to longer lives free from cancer recurrence and lower overall mortality rates among cancer survivors.
Exercise’s Role in Cancer Recovery
The study, which included nearly 900 patients from 55 cancer centers across six countries, focused on individuals who had been treated for stage III or high-risk stage II colon cancer. Despite treatment advances, around 30% of these patients face a return of their cancer, underlining the urgent need for effective post-treatment interventions.
- Patients in the study were divided into two groups: the control group received standard health education while the other group participated in a structured exercise program.
- The exercise group worked with health coaches to receive guidance on physical activity and had supervised exercise sessions, enhancing their physical capabilities significantly.
Over an average follow-up period of eight years, results showed that the exercise group had 28% lower odds of developing recurrent or new cancers and a 37% lower risk of dying compared to the control group. Specifically, 131 patients in the control group experienced cancer recurrence compared to 93 in the exercise group, and 66 died in the control group compared to 41 in the exercise group.
Why Exercise Matters
Dr. Leana Wen, a wellness expert and emergency physician, noted the groundbreaking nature of these findings. Previous studies hinted at the benefits of exercise for cancer survivors, but this is the first rigorous trial to provide substantial evidence supporting the claims. Dr. Wen emphasized that these results could reshape cancer treatment protocols, as exercise should be integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan for patients.
“Imagine if there were a clinical trial for a new drug that found it lowered the risk of developing recurrent or new cancers by 28%,” Dr. Wen said. “Patients and doctors would be eager to try this new therapeutic.”
Implementing Exercise Programs
Currently, post-treatment advice for cancer patients often encourages physical activity but lacks personalized support. Dr. Wen advocates for the establishment of “exercise prescriptions” where healthcare providers monitor and support patients in their fitness endeavors, with the potential for insurance coverage for health coaching.
The Science Behind Exercise and Cancer Prevention
Research suggests various mechanisms by which exercise aids in reducing cancer risk. These include:
- **Weight Management**: Physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight, which is crucial since obesity is a recognized risk factor for multiple forms of cancer.
- **Hormone Regulation**: Exercise can influence hormone levels that may contribute to cancer development.
- **Reduced Inflammation**: Regular activity may lower overall body inflammation, a state linked to various health issues, including cancer.
How Much Exercise is Needed?
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate to high-intensity exercise weekly. This equates to about 30 minutes of activity on five days of the week, which could involve brisk walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming. Experts emphasize that these activities can be accumulated throughout the day, allowing flexibility for those with busy schedules.
Advice for Starting an Exercise Program
Dr. Wen encourages individuals to focus on making physical activity a part of their daily routines. She suggests simple changes like:
- Taking the stairs instead of the elevator
- Pacing during phone calls or meetings
- Using household chores as a form of exercise
She also highlights the concept of “exercise snacks,” which are brief bursts of activity that can be as short as 15-30 seconds, reinforcing that every bit of movement counts.
Overall, the findings of this study present a promising avenue for enhancing cancer survival and prevention through structured exercise, marking a potential shift in how cancer care is approached moving forward.