Physical activity, smoking and obesity affect survival after colorectal cancer diagnosis

This study investigated lifestyle factors in men and women and the effects of these on survival with colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer in the world, with more than a million people diagnosed every year. Over the recent years survival rates from colorectal cancer have improved due to new treatments and better diagnostic techniques. However, colorectal cancer is still a major cause of death. New insights into factors affecting prognosis are now under investigation.

This study followed 879 patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer between 2005 and 2007. Patients provided information on their recreational activities, smoking history, weight, medication use and diet.

Results show that lifestyle significantly affects survival in females, and to a lesser extent in males. Overweight and obese women were twice as likely to die from colorectal cancer as healthy weighing women. Smoking history showed a similar association to mortality in women. Current smokers showed the worst overall survival time, and patients that have never smoked showed the best overall survival. Women who carried out any amount of physical activity also benefited from a reduced mortality risk.

Overall this study showed that physical activity, body mass index and smoking all affect survival with colorectal cancer. This finding was most significant in women.

This study did not take into account any medical treatments received. This probably would have influenced results to some extent.

Consult with your physician on how to improve survival with colorectal cancer by simple lifestyle modifications.