Exercise and Cancer: What Survivors Should Know

Exercise has always been important for good health. A recent study shows it can even help people live longer after being diagnosed with colon cancer.

How do we know exercise benefits cancer survivors?

This study looked at almost 900 colon cancer survivors from six different countries. They had finished chemotherapy after surgery and had a higher chance of their cancer coming back. These survivors were separated into two groups. One group joined an exercise program for three years. The other group just did their usual daily activities and learned about health.

Researchers watched both groups for 8 years. They wanted to see if exercise could help people live longer without the cancer returning. This is called “disease-free survival.” The researchers also looked at other things, like:

• Recurrence – when cancer comes back
• Cancer-related mortality – dying from the cancer
• All-cause mortality – dying from any cause

The study found that people who exercised had a 37% lower chance of dying and a 28% lower chance of their cancer coming back or of getting new cancer. After 5 years, 80% of the people in the exercise group did not have their cancer return, compared to 74% of the people who just got health education. In fact, exercise prevented one colon cancer death for every 14 people who exercised for 8 years. This is exciting, especially since more young people are being diagnosed with colon cancer.

What did this study teach us about exercise and cancer?

For a long time, experts have said that being active helps cancer survivors feel better and live longer. Other studies have shown that exercise makes people less tired, helps with mood, and reduces pain and numbness after treatment. Doctors often tell survivors to exercise because it helps both in body and mind.

This new study is more proof that exercise is helpful. It shows that exercise does not just help with one kind of cancer or one group of people — it helps many. People who did the exercise program had a better chance of living without cancer and living longer.

The study also adds to the evidence that physical activity after treatment is important. Besides less fatigue, better mood, and improved movement, these new results show that exercise really matters for cancer survivors. Even if exercise sometimes made people sore, the benefits for living longer and feeling better were clear.

So, what should cancer survivors do?

Being active can make a big difference. Cancer survivors might feel like their health is out of their control, but exercise is something they can do.

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) says adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate or vigorous exercise each week, plus strength exercises on at least two days a week. Cancer survivors should start slowly and build up to that goal.

Being active after cancer helps:

• Lower tiredness
• Improve depression and anxiety
• Improve sleep
• Improve how well your body works
• Make your immune system stronger
• Keep your brain and body healthy
• Lower the chance of cancer coming back

Just 150 minutes of physical activity each week can help you feel better and live longer. So why not get started? For tips, check out the resources below, talk to your healthcare team, or visit the ACSM’s Moving Through Cancer website.

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