Exercise holds equally significance as medication in minimizing colon cancer recurrence.
In the global cancer landscape, colorectal cancer claiming the third spot with a whopping 10% of cancer cases, and being the second leading cause of cancer deaths is undeniably alarming. But here's some hope: a research led by Canadian scientists reveals that a structurally organized exercise program post-surgery and chemotherapy for colon cancer could potentially slash the patients' risk of cancer recurrence by a staggering 28%, when compared to those following only health advice.
This promising study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), also showcased a 37% decrease in general mortality risks. Stunned? Experts seem to think so, with statements like 'exercise could be 'better than a drug' at preventing colon cancer recurrence.'
With 889 participants (mostly from Canada, Australia, the US, the UK, and France) enrolled in the Colon Health and Lifelong Exercise Change (CHALLENGE) trial, the research indicated that a 3-year exercise program supervised by certified physical activity consultants proved beneficial. Participants in this program could choose their type, frequency, and intensity of exercise, but the goal was to achieve the equivalent of 3-4 brisk 45-60 minute walks a week.
The health-education group (444 patients) received general health-education material promoting physical activity and nutritious habits in addition to standard surveillance. At the end of a median follow-up of 7.9 years, the participants in the exercise group had better disease-free survival (80.3% of patients were disease-free after 5 years), significantly lower annual incidence of recurrence, and an all-cause death rate of 41, lower than the 66 deaths in the health-education group.
Remarkably, the exercise group reported improvements in physical functioning, shared by Julie Gralow, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of the American Society of Clinical Oncology who wasn't involved in the trial. She stated, "exercise could be 'better than a drug' for cancer patient outcomes, [since it has] no related side effects." However, she made it clear that drug treatments should not be excluded but compared in terms of outcomes and side effects.
With structured exercise presenting numerous health advantages without the downsides of side effects associated with other treatments, an exercise program may very well prove to be an affordable and effective alternative, or complementary approach, to medication in cancer treatment and prevention. Exercise could potentially lower the risk of new primary cancers and various causes of death beyond colon cancer recurrence, as further evidenced by Courneya, the lead author on the study.
The proponents of the study called for policymakers and healthcare providers to embed exercise into treatment plans appropriate for each patient, emphasizing the importance of tailored support and structured exercise programs in the fight against cancer. However, challenges persist, as the number of required clinic visits may raise questions about practicality and sustainability. Innovative solutions that encourage exercise and offer regular support and encouragement are key to ensuring seamless patient care and improved outcomes.
- In the domain of oncology, colorectal cancer accounts for a significant 10% of all cancer cases and is the second leading cause of cancer deaths.
- A recent study led by Canadian scientists suggests that a structured exercise program, combined with surgery and chemotherapy, could reduce the risk of colorectal cancer recurrence by 28%.
- The study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, also reports a 37% decrease in general mortality risks for those who follow the exercise program.
- The Colon Health and Lifelong Exercise Change (CHALLENGE) trial, which involved 889 participants from various countries, demonstrated the benefits of a 3-year exercise program supervised by certified physical activity consultants.
- At the end of a 7.9-year follow-up, participants in the exercise group showed better disease-free survival, a lower annual incidence of recurrence, and a lower all-cause death rate compared to the health-education group.
- With structured exercise offering numerous health advantages and no related side effects, it could potentially be an affordable and effective alternative or complementary approach to medication in the treatment and prevention of various medical conditions, including cancer.
