Structured Exercise Linked to Improved Survival Rates in Colon Cancer Patients

A recent study has revealed that structured exercise can significantly enhance survival rates among colon cancer patients. Participants engaged in an exercise regimen experienced a 37% reduction in mortality risk and a 28% decrease in the recurrence or emergence of new cancers compared to those who only received health education materials.

The research, known as the CO.21 (Challenge) study, was conducted by the Canadian Cancer Trials Group in collaboration with the Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN) and the University of Waterloo's Center for Community, Clinical and Applied Research Excellence (CCCARE), among other clinical sites. This innovative partnership facilitated access to supervised, evidence-based exercise programs tailored for individuals recovering from cancer treatments.

Carla Girolametto, director of Research Operations at WRHN, emphasized the significance of local partnerships in shaping international research and delivering impactful solutions. Since 2009, WRHN's Cancer Center has aided 33 cancer patients from the Waterloo Region in contributing to the study, which involved a total of 889 patients across 55 clinical sites. The findings indicate that incorporating exercise into survivorship care can notably improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Stacey Hubay, a medical oncologist and principal investigator at WRHN, noted the study's transformative implications for oncology practice. She stated that while the benefits of exercise for cancer patients have been acknowledged anecdotally, this study provides rigorous data supporting its inclusion as a fundamental part of treatment plans from diagnosis through survivorship.

The UW WELL-FIT program, initiated more than two decades ago to support cancer patients, has since expanded its offerings to accommodate a broader patient demographic. Evidence continues to mount regarding the positive effects of exercise on both physical and mental well-being throughout the cancer journey.

Following the study's conclusions, ongoing research at CCCARE, led by Dr. Anupam Batra, is exploring how exercise may mitigate physical and cognitive decline in men suffering from metastatic prostate cancer. Julia Fraser, a Ph.D. candidate and co-investigator with CCCARE, remarked that the findings from CO.21 underscore the concept that exercise functions as a form of medicine.

For patients, the benefits of the program are deeply personal. One participant shared that after being diagnosed with cancer in 2016, the structured exercise program provided the motivation and energy necessary to recover from chemotherapy's debilitating effects. Engaging in physical activity not only helped manage side effects but also fostered connections with other patients navigating similar experiences.

Dr. Nicole Thomson, vice-president of quality, research, and patient experience at WRHN, reflected on the broader implications of the CO.21 study, highlighting how community hospitals can significantly contribute to impactful research and innovation in cancer care.