An 'exercise prescription' dubbed 'better than drugs' to stop cancer return after chemo

Results are promising

Exercise is already recommended to improve so many aspects of our health. Now, researchers believe it could be crucial in stopping cancer from recurring.

There are countless theories about the most useful treatments, herbs, supplements, lotions and potions to try to stop cancer from returning, but according to one new trial, it may be as simple as increasing movement. 

We already know exercise delivers countless benefits in other areas of our health. 

It can improve our heart health, mental health, lung capacity, bone density, joint function, core muscles, circulation, sleep and more. 

The role of exercise in cancer treatment

Doctors recommend patients try to maintain a healthy lifestyle in general, but according to trial research published in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s (ASCO) annual conference in Chicago, a structured exercise program could cut the risk of cancer patients dying by a third, prevent tumours reoccurring, and possibly be more effective than drugs.

The study looked at 899 colon cancer patients from Australia, the US, UK, France, Canada and Israel over a decade, 90 per cent of whom had stage three disease.

444 patients received a healthy lifestyle booklet, while 445 had to follow a structured exercise regimen with a personal trainer. 

Researchers found that this group experienced a 28 per cent reduction in risk of new or returning cancers after following the program for 5 years, and 37 per cent reduction after eight years. Image: Pexels

This program included bimonthly coaching sessions and supervised exercise sessions with a personal trainer, which were later reduced to once a month over three years.

The group set fitness goals and aimed for an equivalent of three to four 45-60 minute long walks each week, though some opted for alternative activities such as kayaking and skiing instead. 

Researchers found that this group experienced a 28 per cent reduction in risk of new or returning cancers after following the program for 5 years, and 37 per cent reduction after eight years. 

“These results now provide us with a clear answer: an exercise programme that includes a personal trainer will reduce the risk of recurrent or new cancer, make you feel better and help you live longer.” Image: iStock

The study’s lead author, Dr Christopher Booth said, “after completing surgery and chemotherapy, about 30% of patients with high-risk stage two and stage three colon cancer will eventually experience recurrence of their disease”.

“As oncologists, one of the most common questions we get asked by patients is ‘what else can I do to improve my outcome?’”

“These results now provide us with a clear answer: an exercise programme that includes a personal trainer will reduce the risk of recurrent or new cancer, make you feel better and help you live longer.”

“I would say [exercise is] better than a drug.”

As per The Guardian, Chief medical officer of ASCO, Dr Julie Gralow, wasn’t a part of the study, but said it would lead to “a major shift in understanding the importance of encouraging physical activity during and after treatment”.

“It’s the same magnitude of benefit of many drugs that get approved for this kind of magnitude of benefit – 28% decreased risk of occurrence, 37% decreased risk of death. Drugs get approved for less than that, and they’re expensive and they’re toxic”, she said. “When I started three decades ago it was still the era where we’d be gentle and say, don’t overdo yourself when you’re on chemo. We’ve reversed that”.

“I would say [exercise is] better than a drug.”

Experts hope that additional research could find similar results when treating other types of cancer. Image: iStock

The approach may not suit every patient

Cancer Research UK funded the UK participation in the study. Their chief clinician, Professor Charles Swanton said that for some patients with colon cancer, “physical activity can be a gamechanger that shifts the course of their recovery”.

“The findings suggest that oncologists should consider recommending a structured exercise programme after surgery to improve people’s chances of survival.”

“But it’s important to remember that exercise isn’t the best option for everyone. My advice to cancer patients is to speak to your doctor before taking on any new physical activity.”

Experts hope that additional research could find similar results when treating other types of cancer. 

Originally published as An 'exercise prescription' dubbed 'better than drugs' to stop cancer return after chemo