Exercise Shown to Lower Cancer Risk and Recurrence

Recent international research demonstrates that structured exercise programs significantly benefit cancer patients, including those with colon and esophageal cancers. A landmark study found that a three-year exercise regimen for colon cancer survivors lowered recurrence by 28% and increased survival, with benefits akin to some medications. Moderate daily activity, such as walking 7,000 to 9,000 steps, was linked to a 26% reduced risk of developing cancers like breast and colon. For esophageal cancer patients, exercising during chemotherapy and pre-surgery raised levels of cancer-fighting immune cells in tumors, and in some cases, made tumors undetectable during surgery. Researchers now strongly advocate for incorporating exercise coaching into cancer care, citing improvements in both physical health and patient empowerment. Larger confirmatory studies are ongoing to establish exercise as a standard part of cancer therapy.