Regular Physical Activity Demonstrates Superiority in Preventing Cancer Relapse Compared to Medication
Article:
Sweat It Out: Exercise More Effective Than Meds in Reducing Cancer Recurrence
Embrace those leggings, 'cause it's time to hit the gym! A long-term study reveals a stunning truth: regular exercise is not only a cancer-deterrent, but it significantly lowers the risk of cancer recurrence compared to medication. That's right, folks, we're looking at a game-changer that's turning the medical world upside down.
Scared after a diagnosis? Hold on tight, because we're here to tell you that exercise could be your ticket to a brighter future. Researchers unveiled their findings at the annual congress of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (Asco) in Chicago. The study, published in the prestigious "New England Journal of Medicine," took place over several years and included 889 patients with advanced colon cancer.
Faced with cancer, half the participants were given a bootcamp-style workout prescription, while the other half just got a lesson on healthy eating and exercise. Each workout warrior was guided by a personal trainer bi-monthly for the first three years and monthly thereafter. The goal? Three to four 45-to-60-minute sweat sessions per week. The choice was theirs - running, cycling, dancing - you name it!
Results that'll Give You Chills!
The outcome? After eight years, the mortality rate dropped by a whopping 37% in the active group. And get this - participants in the exercise group had a 28% lower risk of cancer recurrence compared to those who just got healthy eating advice.
It's not just colon cancer that seems to respond to exercise. Experts like Julie Gralow, chief medical officer at Asco, believe that the results likely apply to various types of cancer. However, further studies are necessary to confirm this.
A major selling point? The cost per patient ranged from $3,000 to $5,000 (€2,635 to €4,400). Medications, on the other hand, tend to be more expensive and have unpleasant side effects. So, don't think twice before trading your meds for a good workout!
So, nurses and doctors, take notice! Like Booth suggests, it's high time to talk about exercise programs with our patients after treatments, not just recommend it. Let's get this exercise revolution going!
Source: ntv.de, hny
- Health
- Cancer
- Studies
Insights:- According to the study, regular exercise can drastically reduce the risk of colon cancer recurrence and death.- Exercise may offer a less costly and more side-effect-free alternative to cancer medications.- Further studies are needed to confirm if the results apply to other types of cancer.
- The long-term study, published in the "New England Journal of Medicine," suggests that regular exercise could significantly lower the risk of cancer recurrence compared to medication, even for patients with advanced colon cancer.
- The findings presented at the annual congress of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (Asco) in Chicago indicate that exercise could potentially offer benefits beyond just colon cancer, with experts like Julie Gralow believing the results may apply to various types of cancer.
- In light of the study's findings, Christopher Booth of Queen's University in Kingston (Canada) urges health professionals to discuss exercise programs with patients after treatments, suggesting that an exercise revolution could be on the horizon, as it might prove to be a cost-effective and side-effect-minimized alternative to cancer medications.
