Expert Says New Study Offers Hope for Improved Recovery and Lower Risk of Recurrent Colorectal Cancer for Patients Through Physical Activity | Newswise
Newswise — A West Virginia University expert said the findings of a new study that followed colorectal cancer patients and their treatment outcomes, which included guided exercise and physical activity, are particularly meaningful for West Virginians.
Stephenie Kennedy-Rea, a cancer researcher in the WVU School of Medicine Department of Cancer Prevention and Control, explained that West Virginia has the highest rate of colorectal cancer in the nation in younger patients and physical activity is one of the important aspects of improving treatment outcomes and limiting cancer recurrence.
Another important aspect in the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer is early screening. The WVU Cancer Institute West Virginia Program to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening focuses on increasing screening rates for people aged 45-75 in partnership with primary care clinics in West Virginia.
The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, followed 889 patients receiving treatment at 55 cancer centers in six countries and found colorectal cancer patients who engaged in a two-year, structured physical activity program had better outcomes and improved recovery during treatment.
The first-of-its-kind trial demonstrated that exercise may improve cancer survival rates. Participants in the trial demonstrated a 37% lower risk of death and a 28% lower risk of recurrent or new cancer than those in the control group.
Quotes:
“West Virginia has the highest rate of younger onset colorectal cancer in the nation, so a study such as this one provides hope and a focus for the younger patient.
“This study involved a health coaching component and encouraged people to have fun and engage socially. In other studies, conducted in West Virginia, we found that social support is key in developing exercise as a habit.
“Physical activity is an important component for a healthy lifestyle. This new study suggests that those with colorectal cancer who participated in a two-year program focused on physical activity had better outcomes, which is an exciting finding.
“Behavioral changes — such as walking — that are under a patient’s control often empower them since so much of their experience is dictated by treatment protocols.” — Stephenie Kennedy-Rea, chair, Department of Cancer Prevention and Control, WVU School of Medicine, and principal investigator, West Virginia Program to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening, WVU Cancer Institute
