A first-of-its kind study adds powerful new evidence to research showing exercise improves cancer survival. The study, a randomised controlled trial of nearly 900 patients at 55 cancer centres in six countries, showed those who participated in a structured exercise programme lived longer without their cancer coming back and without the occurrence of new cancers. Participants had a 37% lower risk of dying and a 28% lower risk of recurrent or new cancer than those in the control group.
Earlier research had suggested such a benefit, but the data did not prove a causal link, experts said. "We now have definitive evidence that exercise is not just an intervention for quality of life and fitness. This is an intervention that improves survival and should be standard of care," said Christopher Booth, the senior author of the paper and a professor of oncology at Queen's University in Canada.
The study, published Sunday in New England Journal of Medicine, looked at patients with Stage III or high-risk Stage II colon cancer who received standard surgery and chemotherapy treatment. Researchers randomly assigned the patients to a control group, which received educational materials promoting physical activity and healthy nutrition, or to a treatment group, which also received support from a "physical activity consultant" - a hybrid of personal trainer and life coach - over three years to increase their aerobic exercise and sustain it. Patients could choose a number of activities, such as biking, jogging, swimming or kayaking, but most opted for a brisk walk of 45 minutes four times a week, Booth said. Eighty percent patients in the exercise group remained disease-free after five years, compared to 74% of patients in the control group. After eight years, the exercise programme had prevented one death for every 14 people who participated in the exercise arm of the study. The reduction was specifically in colon cancer deaths, Booth said - not deaths from other causes, like cardiovascular disease.
It's not clear how exactly exercise reduces new onset or recurrence of cancer. Researchers have collected blood samples for analysis. Involving patients in a structured exercise programme with ongoing support and accountability was key, said Kerry Courneya, lead author of the paper and a professor and Canada research chair in physical activity and cancer at the University of Alberta.
Terri Swain-Collins, a trial participant, said when she first began, knowing she would be meeting with a consultant every two weeks forced her to stay on top of the exercise. She tried a few different things, including joining a gym, but walking ended up being her favourite activity. The consultant helped her fit it into her day. After being sick and feeling like she had no control over what was happening to her, she said adopting an exercise regimen of her choosing was empowering.
Earlier research had suggested such a benefit, but the data did not prove a causal link, experts said. "We now have definitive evidence that exercise is not just an intervention for quality of life and fitness. This is an intervention that improves survival and should be standard of care," said Christopher Booth, the senior author of the paper and a professor of oncology at Queen's University in Canada.
The study, published Sunday in New England Journal of Medicine, looked at patients with Stage III or high-risk Stage II colon cancer who received standard surgery and chemotherapy treatment. Researchers randomly assigned the patients to a control group, which received educational materials promoting physical activity and healthy nutrition, or to a treatment group, which also received support from a "physical activity consultant" - a hybrid of personal trainer and life coach - over three years to increase their aerobic exercise and sustain it. Patients could choose a number of activities, such as biking, jogging, swimming or kayaking, but most opted for a brisk walk of 45 minutes four times a week, Booth said. Eighty percent patients in the exercise group remained disease-free after five years, compared to 74% of patients in the control group. After eight years, the exercise programme had prevented one death for every 14 people who participated in the exercise arm of the study. The reduction was specifically in colon cancer deaths, Booth said - not deaths from other causes, like cardiovascular disease.
It's not clear how exactly exercise reduces new onset or recurrence of cancer. Researchers have collected blood samples for analysis. Involving patients in a structured exercise programme with ongoing support and accountability was key, said Kerry Courneya, lead author of the paper and a professor and Canada research chair in physical activity and cancer at the University of Alberta.
Terri Swain-Collins, a trial participant, said when she first began, knowing she would be meeting with a consultant every two weeks forced her to stay on top of the exercise. She tried a few different things, including joining a gym, but walking ended up being her favourite activity. The consultant helped her fit it into her day. After being sick and feeling like she had no control over what was happening to her, she said adopting an exercise regimen of her choosing was empowering.
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