Discoveries
Exercise can reduce risk of colon cancer recurrence
Engaging in regular exercise can substantially reduce the risk that colon cancer will recur and can improve the overall chance of survival for people who have been treated for the disease, according to two recent studies by Dana-Farber researchers.
Jeffrey Meyerhardt, MD, MPH, Charles Fuchs, MD, and their colleagues found that colon cancer patients who exercise at moderate levels six to 12 months after surgery had an approximately 50 percent higher survival rate than those who didn’t exercise. The improvement took place regardless of whether patients — who had undergone surgery intended to cure the disease — had early or more advanced (but not spreading) forms of colon cancer.
"From previous studies, we know that regular physical activity reduces the risk of developing colon cancer, but until now, few studies have looked at the survival effect of exercise on people treated for this disease," Meyerhardt says. "While our work found a significant benefit for patients who exercise, it’s important that exercise be seen as a supplement to, not a replacement for, standard therapies."
As with any exercise program, people should check with their doctor before increasing their degree of physical activity.
