Life after colon cancer: How exercise transforms recovery, new study shows

A major international study has revealed that a dedicated exercise programme can cut the risk of death in colon cancer patients by more than a third.

And it doesn’t take hours in the gym. According to researchers, ‘not a large amount’ of activity is needed—everything from brisk walking to swimming or even salsa dancing can make a difference.

The breakthrough results could revolutionise colon cancer care around the globe, shifting the way doctors and patients think about recovery.  The trial followed 889 patients, starting them on a three-year exercise plan soon after chemotherapy. Half joined the programme, while the rest received healthy living leaflets.

Those in the exercise group were encouraged to do three to four 45–60 minute sessions of brisk walking each week—double the general public’s activity guidelines. Participants got weekly coaching in the first six months, tapering to monthly check-ins after that.

The results, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, are striking:

Why exercise has such a powerful effect isn’t fully understood yet. Scientists believe it may influence hormone levels, reduce inflammation, and enhance the immune system’s ability to detect and destroy cancer cells.

So, wondering, what workout can help? You can start with walking.

Something as simple was walking itself, can benefit your health. As Mathilde Valade, an osteopath at Dubai’s Wellth Clinic, had earlier told Gulf News, a daily brisk walk can significantly improve cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of heart disease - helping to ward off chronic illness. Additionally, it supports weight management by burning calories and regulating weight, depending on the intensity and duration of the walk.. “It strengthens muscles, especially in the legs, enhances joint flexibility,” says Valde.

Furthermore: Walking also repairs the body; it improves circulation and oxygenates the muscles. It’s a low impact exercise that’s gentle on the joints, and every movement helps the blood circulation of the body. It flushes down the lactic acid that can tend to build up in the joints and cause a lot of soreness, and It fires up the cells, and utilises the fat in the body to burn calories. The more you walk, the stronger your muscle memory becomes, and fat begins to burn more efficiently.