• Regular exercise can help colon cancer survivors achieve survival rates similar to those without cancer, according to a new study published in Cancer.
• Patients who exercised at higher levels (equivalent to five hours of brisk walking weekly) had a 2.9% higher chance of surviving three additional years.
• Physical activity reduces systemic inflammation, improves insulin sensitivity, and promotes a healthier gut microbiome, creating an environment less conducive to tumor growth.
• Even small amounts of exercise, like walking or light resistance training, can significantly improve long-term health outcomes for cancer survivors.
• Experts recommend 150–300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity weekly to reduce chronic disease risks and improve quality of life during recovery.

For colon cancer survivors, the road to recovery often feels daunting, but new research offers a powerful tool to improve long-term survival: exercise.

A groundbreaking study published in Cancer, a journal of the American Cancer Society, reveals that regular physical activity can help colon cancer survivors achieve survival rates comparable to those of individuals who never had cancer. The findings, led by researchers at Louisiana State University (LSU), highlight the transformative impact of exercise on long-term health outcomes for cancer patients.

The study analyzed data from two clinical trials involving nearly 3,000 patients with stage 3 colon cancer, a stage where the disease has spread to nearby lymph nodes but not distant organs. Participants self-reported their exercise levels after surgery and during chemotherapy, and their survival rates were compared to those of a matched general population. The results were striking: patients who exercised at higher levels—equivalent to five hours of brisk walking per week—had survival rates nearly identical to their cancer-free peers.

The power of physical activity

The study measured physical activity in metabolic equivalent (MET) hours per week, a standard metric for energy expenditure. Patients who engaged in 18 or more MET hours per week—equivalent to five hours of brisk walking—had a 2.9% higher likelihood of surviving three additional years compared to those who exercised less than three MET hours per week.

“This new information can help patients with colon cancer understand how factors that they can control—their physical activity levels—can have a meaningful impact on their long-term prognosis,” said lead author Justin C. Brown, Ph.D., of LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center.

“Quantifying how physical activity may enable a patient with colon cancer to have a survival experience that approximates their friends and family without cancer could be a simple but powerful piece of information.”

The study builds on earlier research suggesting that exercise not only delays but may prevent cancer recurrence. By reducing systemic inflammation, improving insulin sensitivity, and promoting a healthier gut microbiome, physical activity creates an environment less conducive to tumor growth.

Challenges and solutions for cancer survivors

While the benefits of exercise are clear, cancer survivors often face unique challenges in staying active. Fatigue, frequent medical appointments, and uncertainty about safe exercise levels can deter patients from engaging in physical activity. However, experts emphasize that even small amounts of exercise can make a significant difference.

“Instead of recommending marathon running, we are talking about walking around the neighborhood,” Brown said. “If cancer survivors start with a small amount and progress slowly, many can do it.”

Ashley Perry, a physical therapist and cancer rehab navigator, echoed this sentiment, noting that activities like gardening or light resistance training can be both enjoyable and beneficial. “Most patients demonstrate a cardiovascular fitness decline during and after cancer treatments, so aerobic activity is a great way to get back to that prior level of endurance,” she said.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, along with muscle-strengthening exercises, to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including cancer. For colon cancer survivors, meeting these guidelines can be life-changing.

“For those with colon cancer undergoing treatment, exercise has also been shown to decrease the side effects of chemotherapy, increase the completion rate of treatment regimens, and boost quality of life,” said Dr. Kyle Eldredge, a colorectal surgeon in Palm Beach, Florida.

The study’s findings underscore the importance of integrating physical activity into cancer care and recovery plans. While more research is needed to determine the optimal type and intensity of exercise, it is clear that exercise is a powerful ally in the fight against cancer.

For colon cancer survivors, the journey to recovery may be challenging, but with the right tools—like regular physical activity—they may be able to look forward to a future as bright as their cancer-free peers.

Sources for this article include:

TheEpochTimes.com

MedicalXpress.com

CNN.com