Over-all Survival of Colon Cancer Survivors, Improved by Regular Moderate Exercise
According to a new research by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, regular exercise of colon cancer survivors can significantly reduce the risk that the disease will recur and improve their overall chance of survival.
The researchers found that colon cancer patients (with very early and more advanced (but non-spreading) colon cancer and had undergone surgery) engaging in moderate levels of exercise six to 12 months after completing therapy had an approximately 50 percent higher survival rate than those who didn’t exercise.
“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 who have been treated for disease,” says the study’s lead author, Jeffrey Meyerhardt, MD, MPH, of Dana-Farber.
“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.”
The study findings were reported in an article that will appear in the August 1 issue of Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Read more at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Tags: colon-cancer, exerciseRelated Stories
POSTED IN: on colon cancer
2 opinions for Over-all Survival of Colon Cancer Survivors, Improved by Regular Moderate Exercise
Alice
Jul 28, 2006 at 10:19 am
The info is interesting to say the least. I do think exercise and good diet and early detection can play a key factor in cancer prevention. However, I do think genetics plays a huge role also.
Example: My brother 53 just died from colorectal cancer. He was going to his physican for 9 months(sometime up to 3 X’s a month complaining of the intense pain he was in) getting 1-3 rectal exams a month for 9 months. His cancer was missed even though it was the size of a soft ball. Then there was his work. He owned his own lawn care service. He exercised regularly and it was very physical work.
I wish you could scrounge up some stories of cancer “misses”..we can only treat cancers the physicians acknowledge. I know my brothers case is not the norm..but..sorry..just had to respond when I saw the topic of colon cancer.
Your blog is very informative.
Gloria
Jul 28, 2006 at 5:56 pm
hello Alice,
thanks for your input. I agree with you 100% that one’s genes play a big role with regards to cancer. even you eat right and do right, but if your genes are “made” for cancer then you’d still get it.
as to your suggestion, let me see what I can do. cancer can be treated if not detected. ;-)
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