There’s a simple step you can take at home or in a gym to potentially enhance your life after a colon cancer diagnosis: exercise. A recent study published in the journal Cancer, a publication of the American Cancer Society, shows a connection between physical activity and longer life for colon cancer patients.
Dr. Justin Brown, the lead author of the study and an associate professor at Louisiana State University’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center, emphasized that while many cancer patients are living longer today than in the past, their survival rates still lag behind those of the general population. He stated, “This study suggests that engaging in physical activity after a colon cancer diagnosis may help patients not only live longer but potentially reach survival rates comparable to those without cancer.”
Prior research has established that regular exercise can boost survival rates, but less clarity existed on its ability to help patients reach survival levels similar to those who have never had cancer, according to Dr. Keith Diaz, an associate professor of behavioral medicine at Columbia University Medical Center, who did not participate in this study.
The insights from this research could be particularly encouraging for those undergoing treatment or in remission. It’s projected that by 2030, colorectal cancer could be the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among younger adults aged 20 to 49 in the United States.
Dr. Brown noted, “Patients are often eager to understand how their choices outside the cancer center might influence their health, functionality, and longevity.”
Among the significant benefits of exercise, the study indicated that it can hinder the spread of cancer cells. In this research, nearly 3,000 colon cancer patients were surveyed about their activity levels during and after chemotherapy. After monitoring their survival over roughly six years and comparing it to their expected lifespans based on age, sex, and year of diagnosis, researchers discovered that patients who exercised regularly not only lived longer but also faced a lower risk of cancer recurrence.
While the observational nature of the study means a direct cause-and-effect link cannot be established, the potential positive effects of exercise seem intuitive. Dr. Diaz remarked, “The benefits of exercise following a colon cancer diagnosis are diverse. It enhances heart health, mental well-being, and gut health, all of which are vital for long-term survival.”
