Exercise as important as drugs in keeping cancer at bay, suggests major new study
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The lifestyle change that rivals some drugs for colon cancer treatment
- A new international study revealed that a three-year exercise program improved survival rates and reduced cancer recurrence in colon cancer patients.
- Experts suggest the benefits of the exercise program are comparable to some drugs, advocating for exercise coaching to become a standard part of colon cancer care.
- The study, conducted across multiple countries, involved 889 colon cancer patients who had completed chemotherapy, with half participating in a structured exercise program with coaching.
- After eight years, participants in the exercise program showed 28 per cent fewer cancer recurrences and 37 per cent fewer deaths from any cause compared to those who received only fitness and nutrition information.
- Researchers plan to analyse blood samples from participants to identify the mechanisms by which exercise helps prevent cancer, such as through insulin processing or immune system enhancement.