Fitness may be key to surviving cancer; exercise tied to longer survival in colon cancer patients

It is a known fact that regular exercise plays a significant role in tackling various health ailments including chronic diseases. Exercise can also help improve outcomes for cancer patients by reducing treatment side effects, enhancing quality of life, and potentially improving survival rates. 

 

However, a recent study involving an exercise programme showed promising results in reducing cancer risk.

 

The mechanisms behind exercise's anti-cancer effects include improved immune function, reduced inflammation, and hormonal regulation, incorporating moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, into daily routines can have a profound impact on reducing cancer risk and supporting overall health. 

 

Though the exercise programme conducted for the colon cancer patients was not in a large amount, researchers said that any type of workout from swimming to salsa classes counted. 

 

The scientists opine that the results from the programme could change the way colon cancer is treated around the world.

 

During the trial, a three-year exercise programme started soon after chemotherapy. It included three to four sessions of brisk walking a week lasting 45-60 minutes. 

 

The aim of the programme was to include people doing double the amount of exercise set out in the guidelines for the general population. 

 

Those in the programme also got weekly face-to-face coaching sessions for the first six months, which then dropped to once a month. 

 

Key highlights of the study: 

 

* After five years of the trial, 80 per cent of people exercising remained cancer-free, compared with 74 per cent in the other group. 

 

* There was a 28 per cent reduction in the risk of the cancer coming back, or a new one developing.

 

* Meanwhile, after eight years of the initial cancer treatment, 10 per cent of people on the exercise programme died, compared with the 17 per cent in the group given only health advice. 

 

* It marked a lower risk of death by 37 per cent. 

 

Though the exact reason why exercise has this beneficial effect is not known, the impact on growth hormones, inflammation levels, and immune system functions are all affected by workouts leading to a reduction of risks. 

Health