Exercise Can Reduce Cancer Risk, Study Reveals
It’s widely known that regular exercise brings a host of benefits, including lowering the risk of chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease. But a recent study highlights another significant advantage: exercise can also improve outcomes for cancer patients.
Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the study found that cancer patients engaging in a structured exercise program during a randomized controlled trial lived longer without cancer returning and had a lower risk of dying during the trial compared to those who did not participate in the exercise regimen.
This piqued my curiosity—how does exercise combat cancer risk? I reached out to Dr. Leana Wen, a wellness expert at CNN. She’s an emergency physician and adjunct associate professor at George Washington University, and previously served as Baltimore’s health commissioner.
CNN: What’s the significance of these study findings?
Dr. Leana Wen: While prior research indicated that exercise could help cancer survivors, this is the first randomized trial showing that exercise after treatment can decrease recurrence and improve survival rates.
Nearly 900 patients from 55 cancer centers across six countries participated in the study. These patients had either stage III or high-risk stage II colon cancer. Even with treatments like surgery and chemotherapy, colon cancer recurs in approximately 30% of cases, according to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, with many of those recurrences resulting in fatal outcomes.
The study participants were divided into two groups. The control group received conventional health education materials focused on healthy eating and physical activity, which is standard for patients in remission.
On the other hand, the exercise group took part in a structured program that included working with a health coach for guidance and supervised exercise sessions. Initially, they met with coaches twice a month for six months, tapering to monthly meetings afterward, with additional sessions available if necessary.
Interestingly, those in the structured exercise group showed significant improvements in physical function, as indicated by the distance they could walk in six minutes and other cardiovascular fitness metrics.
The average follow-up lasted about eight years. Throughout that time, 131 patients in the control group experienced cancer recurrence compared to 93 in the structured exercise group. Additionally, 66 people died in the control group, as opposed to 41 in the exercise group.
Overall, participants in the structured exercise group exhibited a 28% lower risk of developing new or recurrent cancers and a 37% lower risk of mortality during the trial.
This is crucial because the study’s rigorous approach validates previous assumptions that exercise helps prolong disease-free survival for cancer patients, suggesting it should be a vital part of holistic treatment strategies aimed at minimizing the risk of new or returning cancers.
CNN: How could these results change the approach to cancer treatment?
Wen: Imagine if a new medication demonstrated a 28% reduction in the risk of new or recurring cancers and a 37% decrease in mortality. Patients and doctors would likely embrace it. This study’s findings carry similar significance and might lead to substantial shifts in cancer treatment protocols. Currently, after surgeries or chemotherapy, patients are merely advised to exercise, yet many might not actually work with a health coach or trainer. Follow-up care often overlooks discussions about physical activity.
I genuinely hope this changes, given these results. We could implement an “exercise prescription” for patients, enabling healthcare providers to actively monitor their exercise routines. Perhaps, even insurance companies could consider covering the cost of health coaching for cancer patients, seeing it as a means to save on future medical costs.
CNN: What’s the connection between exercise and cancer risk reduction?
Wen: Numerous population studies have shown that regular exercise is linked to lower risks of certain cancers. Several theories explain this connection. For instance, staying active helps maintain a healthy weight, which is critical since obesity is a known risk factor for many cancers. Moreover, exercise may regulate hormones associated with cancer and reduce inflammatory responses that could also contribute to the disease.
CNN: How much exercise is necessary?
Wen: The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate to high-intensity exercise each week. This equates to about 30 minutes of activity, like walking briskly or cycling, on five days each week.
These minutes can accumulate. Individuals don’t have to fit them all in at once–simple adjustments can incorporate physical activity into daily life. For example, opting for stairs instead of elevators could add up to valuable exercise time. Even small steps, like parking further away, can contribute significantly.
CNN: What’s your advice for someone starting an exercise routine?
Wen: While aiming for 150 minutes a week is ideal, remember that even smaller amounts of exercise offer considerable benefits. Don’t let “perfect” become the enemy of “good.” Start with whatever you can manage.
Consider the idea of “exercise snacks”—short bursts of activity, like quick squats or even household chores. Movement is particularly important for those with desk jobs who need to counteract the adverse health effects of prolonged sitting.
