Study Uncovers: Exercise Outshines Medication in Lowering Cancer Recurrence Risk
Physical Activity Lowering Cancer Recurrence Rates More Significantly Than Pharmaceuticals
Here's a down-to-earth take on a groundbreaking study: Exercising regularly not only lowers the risk of cancer, but also significantly reduces the risk of cancer recurrence, even more effectively than medication for certain patients.
Insight: Experts say the findings apply to a variety of cancer types, not just colon cancer.
In the CO21-Challenge study, published in the "New England Journal of Medicine," researchers investigated 889 advanced colon cancer patients who had undergone chemotherapy and surgery. Half were assigned a structured exercise program, while the remaining half received general health advice. Over the course of several years, those in the exercise group received personal training sessions twice a month for three years, and then once a month, aiming for three to four 45-60 minute walks or equivalent workouts weekly.
Shocking Results
The findings: Mortality in the active group was a whopping 37% lower after eight years. Additionally, their risk of cancer recurrence was 28% lower compared to the health-counseling group.
Fact: Exercise proved to be as effective as many expensive medications with numerous side effects.
Insight: Oncologists like Christopher Booth of Queen's University in Kingston (Canada) recommend exercise as part of a comprehensive cancer treatment plan.
Although the study primarily focused on colon cancer, researchers believe the benefits likely extend to other types of cancer. However, studies are currently underway to confirm this assumption.
Based on the CO21-Challenge study's data, certain cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer, seem to occur less frequently in the exercise group due to improved exercise regimens. The personalized coaching and support provided to participants empowered them to maintain their workout routines, benefiting their overall well-being and prognosis.
Revolutionizing Cancer Aftercare
Healthcare professionals should consider incorporating exercise programs into their post-treatment conversations with patients. The cost of this program ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 per participant, making it significantly less expensive than many cancer medications. Given the potentially life-saving benefits, it's worth exploring the implementation of these programs worldwide.
Insight: Regular exercise may start a revolution in cancer treatment, potentially outshining certain medications in terms of efficacy.
- Community health and wellness policies should be updated to emphasize fitness and exercise programs as an essential part of cancer treatment post-care, given their significant potential in reducing cancer recurrence risks, as demonstrated in the CO21-Challenge study.
- Astonishingly, regular exercise, often less costly than medications, has been shown to be as effective as certain expensive treatments with numerous side effects, particularly in managing chronic conditions like chronic kidney disease and various medical-conditions that are common comorbidities in cancer patients.
- Forward-thinking employment policies can prioritize health and fitness, encouraging employees with chronic diseases like chronic-kidney-disease to adopt regular exercise routines within their lunch breaks or flexibility in work hours to accommodate exercise sessions, thereby enhancing their overall well-being and work productivity.
