#CancerSurvivors

In a remarkable development that could transform cancer care worldwide, a new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has revealed that structured exercise can improve cancer survival by an astounding 37%—a benefit rivaling many advanced medicines and technological breakthroughs. Unlike complex new drugs or costly therapies, this intervention centers on a surprisingly simple remedy: regular, supervised physical activity.

This finding carries profound significance for Thai cancer patients and caregivers, as it highlights a practical step to improve long-term outcomes without imposing high costs or requiring state-of-the-art equipment. As cancer survival rates improve across Thailand—now over 50% for many types due to earlier detection and better treatments—there is growing demand for evidence-based strategies that empower survivors to take charge of their health and prevent recurrence (Cancer in Thailand). The latest research suggests exercise might be one of the most potent, yet underutilized, tools available.

A groundbreaking 17-year international study has found that a structured exercise program, prescribed and monitored for people recovering from colorectal cancer, can reduce risk of death by 37% and lower recurrence rates by 28%. The findings, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, are being hailed as a major shift in the standard of care for one of the world’s most common and deadly cancers, with direct implications for Thai patients and healthcare providers grappling with rising colorectal cancer rates.

A comprehensive new scientific review has found that exercise can significantly alleviate the side-effects of cancer treatments, a discovery that is being hailed as a game-changer for patients and healthcare providers alike. The findings, reported this week by The Guardian and based on the largest study of its kind to date, highlight the pivotal role of physical activity in improving the quality of life for cancer survivors — a population that has been steadily growing due to advances in oncological care. These insights carry particular significance for Thailand, where the burden of cancer continues to rise and survivorship care is an emerging public health priority.

Thai women who survive cancer may face a double burden in their recovery, with new international research indicating they are more likely than men to experience ongoing fatigue and depression. According to recent findings discussed in a NBC News report, female cancer survivors report higher rates of these debilitating symptoms after treatment, highlighting a significant gender gap in cancer survivorship experiences.

The significance of this research resonates deeply in Thailand, where thousands of women each year survive cancers such as breast, cervical, and colon cancer, but then battle lingering health effects. The study underscores that while medical breakthroughs have improved survival rates dramatically in recent years, quality of life after cancer remains a pressing issue, especially for women. Thai public health authorities and patient support organizations have long noted that post-cancer symptoms, including chronic tiredness and emotional struggles, are under-addressed in post-treatment care.