Exercise May Improve Survival by 63%
STUDIES SHOW...Increased Exercise Significantly Reduces Risk
A prospective observational study of over 800 patients with colorectal cancer were enrolled in a randomized chemotherapy trial. Patients reported on various recreational physical activities approximately 6 months after completion of therapy and were observed for recurrence or death.
Using the end point of recurrence free survival (RFS) this study confirmed that physical activity conferred a significant reduction in cancer recurrence. Additionally the study observed a significant association between physical activity and all-cause mortality. Both were notably true for weekly metabolic equivalent task hours over 18 and most significantly when over 27 hours.
Table 1. Impact of Physical Activity on Colorectal Cancer Recurrence and Mortality
| MET Hrs | <3 | 3-9 | 9-18 | 18-27 | ≥27 | p-Value | No. at Risk | 273 | 187 | 137 | 84 | 151 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. of Events | 33 | 21 | 13 | 8 | 9 | |
| Unadjusted | Referent | 0.93 | 0.75 | 0.79 | 0.5 | 0.05 |
| 0% | 7% | 25% | 21% | 50% | Significant | |
| 1.00-1.00 | 0.53-1.60 | 0.39-1.43 | 0.37-1.72 | 0.24-1.04 | Adjusted | Referent | 0.85 | 0.71 | 0.71 | 0.37 | 0.01 |
| 0% | 15% | 29% | 29% | 63% | Significant | |
| 1.00-1.00 | 0.49-1.49 | 0.16-0.82 | 0.36-1.41 | 0.32-1.59 |
Conclusion
Physical activity appears to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and mortality for colorectal cancer patients.
Our Advice
We are not medical professionals! But exercise and recreational sports are a safe addition to everyone’s lifestyle and the benefits elucidated in the study are clear. We believe these results show a worthwhile target of 27+ MET hours per week for colorectal cancer patients is a safe way to potentially improve outcomes.
What are Metabolic Equivalent Task (MET) Hours?'
MET: The ratio of the work metabolic rate to the resting metabolic rate. One MET is defined as 1 kcal/kg/hour and is roughly equivalent to the energy cost of sitting quietly. A 4 MET activity expends 4 times the energy used by the body at rest. Examples of MET values for various tasks are provided below:
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