Exercise’s Impact on Cancer Recovery

Regular exercise offers numerous advantages, such as lowering the risk of chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease. Recently, a study in the New England Journal of Medicine has highlighted the positive effects of exercise on cancer patients. Those who engaged in a structured exercise program experienced longer periods without cancer recurrence and a reduced risk of death during the study when compared to those who did not participate.

Out of curiosity, I wanted to understand how exercise reduces cancer risk and how people can incorporate exercise into their lives. To gain insights, I spoke with Dr. Leana Wen, a wellness expert and emergency physician, who also teaches at George Washington University. She has previously served as the health commissioner for Baltimore.

CNN: Why are the findings of this study significant?

Dr. Leana Wen: Earlier studies suggested that exercise might benefit cancer survivors, but this is the first randomized trial confirming that exercising post-treatment can lead to reduced recurrence and improved survival rates.

The research included nearly 900 patients from 55 cancer centers across six countries, all treated for stage III or high-risk stage II colon cancer. The American Society of Clinical Oncology estimates that about 30% of patients face a recurrence even after treatments like surgery and chemotherapy. Unfortunately, many who experience this recurrence end up succumbing to the disease.

Participants were divided into two groups. The control group received basic health education materials focusing on diet and physical activity—standard care for cancer survivors. Meanwhile, the other group followed a structured exercise regimen that provided them with guidance from a health coach and supervised exercise sessions. Initially, patient coaches met twice a month, then shifted to once a month, with additional sessions available as needed.

Those in the exercise group showed significant improvements in physical function, measured by the distance covered in six minutes and VO2 max, both of which indicate cardiovascular fitness.

Over an average follow-up of eight years, 131 patients in the control group faced cancer recurrence, compared to 93 in the exercise group. From the control group, 66 patients died, while 41 in the exercise group passed away.

Participants who exercised had a 28% lower chance of developing new or recurrent cancers compared to those receiving standard care. They also had a 37% reduced risk of dying during the study period.

This study confirms prior research—exercise enhances disease-free survival in cancer patients, making it a crucial element in comprehensive treatment plans aimed at minimizing the risk of recurrence and new cancers.

CNN: How might these findings change cancer treatments?

Wen: Just think if a new medication was shown to reduce the risk of recurring cancers by 28% and death rates by 37%. It would be hailed as groundbreaking, and everyone would be eager to adopt this treatment. That’s the magnitude of what we’re seeing here. I believe this could really shift the approach to cancer treatment protocols. Right now, after patients finish surgeries and treatments, they often receive basic exercise advice, but many may not actually get support from a health coach or trainer. Discussions about their physical activity may not even happen during follow-up visits.

I hope this changes with these results in mind. Patients could receive an “exercise prescription,” and healthcare providers might track their activity. Insurance companies could even look into reimbursing health coaches for cancer patients, which could save costs associated with more extensive treatments later.

CNN: What mechanisms might exercise use to lower cancer risk?

Wen: Various population studies have demonstrated that regular physical activity correlates with a lower risk of certain cancers. There are several theories to explain this. One consideration is maintaining a healthy weight since obesity is a known risk factor for several cancers. Plus, exercise may help regulate hormones linked to cancer and reduce inflammation that could play a role in its development.

CNN: How much exercise should people aim for?

Wen: The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise weekly. For someone working out five times a week, that’s about 30 minutes each time—activities like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.

It’s important to note that these minutes can be cumulative. So, you don’t necessarily need to do everything in one go. If someone can’t find a big chunk of time to exercise, they can integrate more activity into their daily life. For example, taking the stairs instead of the elevator or having a walking meeting can really add up over time.

CNN: What advice do you have for those starting exercise programs?

Wen: Research indicates that while the ideal is to reach that 150-minute mark weekly, even small amounts of physical activity provide significant benefits. The key takeaway is to not let the pursuit of perfection hinder progress—start where you can.

For example, consider “exercise snacks”—quick bursts of activity that could last just a few seconds. This might be as straightforward as doing some squats or household chores. Just standing up and moving is beneficial, especially for those who spend long hours seated, which can negatively impact health.