#CancerSurvivorship

A groundbreaking international clinical trial has revealed that a structured exercise regimen after cancer treatment can significantly lower the risk of recurrence and overall mortality, equaling—and even surpassing—the impact of conventional pharmaceutical therapies. This new research, presented at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) conference and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, has rapidly shifted medical opinion and could transform after-care protocols for cancer survivors around the world, including those in Thailand.

A groundbreaking study presented this month at the American Society of Clinical Oncology highlights the healing power of music therapy for cancer patients, suggesting that this unique approach can be as effective as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in managing the anxiety, stress, and difficult emotions that often accompany cancer diagnoses and treatment (NPR). The findings resonate with increasing calls from Thai oncologists and mental health professionals to expand holistic cancer care options and improve the quality of life for survivors throughout Thailand.

A new population-based study has revealed a strong link between colorectal cancer (CRC) in women and a wide range of adverse sexual and reproductive health conditions, with the risks most pronounced among women diagnosed before the age of 40. The research, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute on June 1, underscores the need for greater awareness and comprehensive post-cancer care for female CRC survivors—a topic that has often been overlooked in Thailand and worldwide.

A growing body of scientific evidence confirms the crucial impact that diet and nutrition have in the battle against cancer, shining new light on strategies that patients, survivors, and those at risk can use to improve outcomes. Recent studies, spearheaded by comprehensive global reviews and specialized clinical trials, reveal that adopting healthier eating habits—combined with regular physical activity—not only reduces the risk of developing cancer but also improves quality of life and survival rates for those who have faced a cancer diagnosis. These findings, now being integrated into guidelines by cancer specialists internationally and in Thailand, signal a major shift in how both individuals and society can take action against one of the nation’s most pressing health threats.

An international clinical trial has revealed that a structured exercise program can significantly reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and death in patients after treatment—outperforming many common pharmaceuticals. The findings, presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting in Chicago and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, are being described as transformative for global cancer care and hold powerful significance for Thai cancer patients and healthcare providers alike (The Guardian).

A recent wave of research is shining a spotlight on an often-overlooked topic: the sexual health and well-being of breast cancer survivors. Studies indicate that specific actions—such as participation in exercise-based therapy, pelvic floor muscle training, and integrated wellness programs—can significantly improve sexual health and overall quality of life for former patients. With breast cancer remaining the most common cancer among Thai women, these findings provide crucial hope and actionable pathways to recovery and fulfillment beyond cancer.

A University of Toronto researcher is calling renewed attention to a crucial but often overlooked aspect of women’s health: the impact of hysterectomy type on post-operative sexual wellbeing. Recent work suggests the decision between radical and simple hysterectomy—two procedures used primarily in the treatment of uterine and cervical cancers—has profound implications not only for cancer control but also for the long-term quality of life, including sexual health, for women worldwide, including those in Thailand.

A surge of cutting-edge research is underscoring the transformative effects of exercise in both fighting cancer and supporting recovery, with new evidence suggesting that physical activity can meaningfully reduce cancer risk, improve the efficacy of treatments, and elevate survivors’ quality of life. These findings are especially relevant for Thais navigating cancer—whether as patients, caregivers, or those seeking to prevent the disease—prompting a shift in both medical advice and public health approaches in the Kingdom.

Recent research published in the journal Cancer reveals that colon cancer survivors who engage in regular physical activity may enjoy longer lives than those who do not. The study, led by Dr. Jeff Meyerhardt from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, highlights the potential of exercise to significantly influence a patient’s long-term prognosis by not only reducing cancer mortality but surpassing the life expectancy of individuals who haven’t experienced cancer.

With colon cancer marking a significant cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, including an alarming rise among younger adults in the United States, the implications of this research are profound. Improved survival rates due to exercise could be a game-changer for patients in Thailand, where sedentary lifestyles are increasingly common among urban populations. Regular exercise could mitigate this trend, offering hope for prolonged life and improved quality of life for Thai patients battling colon cancer.