In a nutshell
The current study investigated the impact of physical activity before and after colorectal cancer diagnosis on survival.
Some background
Rates of survival from colorectal cancer have improved greatly over the last number of decades. For men the rate of survival increased from 48.9% in 1977 to 66.1% in in 2009. For women it increased from 50.6% to 65.7% during that time. Physical activity is known to benefit overall health in cancer survivors. However, it is unclear whether physical activity also benefits colorectal cancer patients’ survival.
Methods & findings
Seven studies that investigated the benefits of physical activity on survival from colorectal cancer were included in this analysis. Patient levels of physical activity before and after their diagnosis was compared to overall patient survival.
Physical activity before and after diagnosis were linked to improved chance of survival. Doing about 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week before diagnosis was related to a 14% decreased risk of death. Doing the same level of physical activity after diagnosis was linked to a 28% decreased risk of death.
Doing more physical activity was linked to an even better chance of survival. Patients who did the equivalent of 75 minutes of moderate exercise per week after diagnosis had a 15% lower risk of death. Patients who did the equivalent of 225 minutes of moderate activity per week had 38% lower risk of death. An increase in activity from before diagnosis to after diagnosis was also linked to reduced risk of death. The improved chance of survival was not affected by the cancer stage, treatment received, or smoking habits.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that physical activity is related to improved survival for colorectal cancer survivors.
What’s next?
Please check with your doctor before starting any new exercise plan.
Published By :
Annals of oncology
Date :
Mar 18, 2014
