Regular exercise after treatment cuts the risk of death in cancer patients by more than a third, a new study has found.
Sports and movement could help stop the disease from coming back, as well as boosting mood, energy levels and strength, researchers found in a trial which could “transform” medical practice.
Various types of moderate intensity exercise met the bar, including 40 minutes of brisk walking, a half-hour jog, circuit classes, cycling, or swimming.
What did the study involve?
The CO21 Challenge trial recruited 889 people with colon cancer from six countries, including the UK.
All patients had had surgery and chemotherapy for their cancer and were deemed well enough to exercise, but were not very active.
One group was given a highly tailored three-year exercise programme, which included in-person coaching sessions for the first six months, and regular meetings with a physical activity consultant.
The other group were simply offered materials promoting exercise and nutrition.
After five years, the risk of dying, relapse or developing a new cancer was 28% lower in the group with bespoke exercise plans – even though adherence to the programme decreased.
And after eight years, the risk of death had fallen to 37%.
Margaret Tubridy from North Belfast said she was “chuffed to bits” after taking part in the study.
“I had never been to a gym before, but once I was shown how to use the machines and do the exercises, I loved it,” the 69-year-old said.
“Now I do weight training twice a week, pole walking, and I’m in a walking group… I am stronger, fitter, and my anxiety is better.”
The paper adds to a…
