Regular physical activity can lower the risk of death for people with colon cancer by over a third, according to a new study.
Personalised support can help individuals establish a structured exercise routine tailored to their specific needs.
The results, unveiled at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) conference, could transform how it is treated, the researchers said.
Colon cancer patients who are encouraged to engage in regular exercise are more likely to survive the disease, according to the trial.
Patients on the CO21 CHALLENGE trial had already finished their cancer treatment, which included surgery and chemotherapy, but a risk remained that their cancer could return.
The researchers aimed to determine whether a structured exercise routine would help maintain their wellbeing.
Half of the participants received standard health education materials with guidance on exercise and healthy eating. In contrast, the others received regular support from a trainer to help them reach a weekly exercise target.
After five years, 80% of people supported to do structured exercise remained cancer free, compared with 74% of those who were given the standard booklets.
At eight years, 90% of people with structured exercise programmes were still alive, up from 83% in the health education materials group.
Overall, the patients in the structured programme were 37% less likely to die in the eight years following their treatment.
Professor Vicky Coyle at the University of Belfast, who led the research in the UK, said: ’During the trial, we supported people to reach their weekly exercise target in a way that worked for them. This could be a brisk walk for around 40 minutes every day, but some patients were also doing circuit classes, cycling, swimming, and many other activities. Our study gives clear, encouraging evidence that physical activity can reduce the risk of cancer returning for some people with colon cancer. We now need to work with policymakers and healthcare providers to embed exercise into treatment plans where appropriate.’
The structured exercise programme tested in the trial lasted three years and involved people regularly meeting with an expert physical activity consultant.
For the first six months, participants received weekly in-person coaching sessions.
Over time, this was reduced to one session per month, either in person or online.
The goal was to increase exercise levels by at least the equivalent of a 30-minute jog every other day.
On average, people in the structured exercise group did more than twice as much.
