#Cancersurvival

A ground-breaking international trial has revealed that regular exercise can dramatically increase survival rates among colon cancer patients, with those who participated in a structured program experiencing a 37% reduction in risk of death and significantly lower cancer recurrence rates. This latest research, published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine, could fundamentally change global approaches to treating colon cancer—including new implications for clinical practice in Thailand.

In a comprehensive study involving 889 colon cancer patients, researchers assessed the impact of sustained physical activity after chemotherapy. Half of the participants were placed on a supervised exercise regimen, while the other half received standard health advice through informational leaflets. After a five-year follow-up, the results were dramatic: 80% of those in the exercise group remained cancer-free, compared with just 74% in the control group—indicating a 28% reduction in the chance of recurrence or a new cancer developing (BBC News).

A major international trial shows that regular, supervised exercise after chemotherapy can significantly improve survival for colon cancer patients. The study found that participants in a structured program had a 37% lower risk of death and reduced cancer recurrence compared with those who received only standard health advice. Published in a leading medical journal, these findings have important implications for cancer care in Thailand.

Data from the study, which followed 889 patients over five years, indicate that after treatment, those who engaged in exercise maintained cancer-free status at higher rates. About 80% of the exercise group remained free of cancer compared with 74% in the control group, suggesting a meaningful reduction in recurrence risk. While the results are promising, researchers emphasise that even relatively modest activity can yield benefits when incorporated into care plans.