A major international study has found that regular physical activity can significantly improve survival rates for colon cancer patients, cutting death rates by 37%. The Challenge study, presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s conference, tracked 889 patients from six countries and was published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Participants who followed a three-year personalized exercise program saw 28% fewer cancer recurrences and 37% fewer deaths compared to those who received standard post-treatment care.
Key Findings
The exercise group, mainly doing brisk 45-minute walks four times a week, had a 90% five-year survival rate, compared to 74% in the control group. This is the first randomized trial showing that exercise directly improves cancer survival rates, not just correlates with them.
Support and Benefits of Exercise
Success was attributed to structured support, with fitness coaches helping participants stick to their routines. Though minor injuries like muscle strains were more common among exercisers (19% vs. 12%), the benefits far outweighed the risks.
Endurance Training and Colon Health
A separate study raised concerns about extreme exercise, showing marathon runners had more colon polyps, which can sometimes develop into cancer. However, the study didn’t find higher cancer rates and suggested the polyps were mostly low-risk. The findings point to the need for endurance athletes to consider regular screenings.
Conclusion
The study highlights that moderate, regular exercise can significantly reduce the risk of colon cancer. For cancer survivors, it offers a proven method to improve survival, while for athletes, it emphasizes the importance of balancing intense training with preventive care. Personalized exercise, paired with medical guidance, remains essential for long-term health.
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