Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers in both men and women worldwide. It is the third most common cancer in men and the second most common cancer in women, after breast cancer.

It is estimated that colon cancer will be diagnosed in about 104,270 people in the United States in 2021, with about 52,980 deaths from the disease. The good news is that colon cancer is highly treatable if detected early, and advances in screening tests and treatments have improved survival rates significantly.

However, for those who are battling colon cancer, the road to recovery can be long and challenging, and the risk of recurrence is always present. That is where exercise comes into play.

How exercise can help those battling colon cancer

Exercise has many benefits for people with colon cancer. It can help improve physical and emotional health and quality of life during and after treatment. Studies have shown that regular exercise can:.

Reduce the risk of developing colon cancer
Improve survival rates for people with colon cancer
Reduce the risk of recurrence after treatment
Reduce the side effects of treatment, such as fatigue, nausea, and depression
Improve physical function and strength
Improve mood and reduce stress
Improve sleep quality
Decrease inflammation

How much exercise is enough?

The American Cancer Society recommends that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per week, or a combination of both, to improve overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including cancer. For people with colon cancer, the guidelines are similar. However, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting an exercise program and to tailor the exercise prescription to the individual’s ability and needs.

What types of exercise are most beneficial?

Many types of exercise can be beneficial for people with colon cancer, including:.

Aerobic exercise, such as walking, cycling, or swimming
Strength training, such as weight lifting or resistance band exercises
Flexibility and balance exercises, such as yoga or tai chi

The most important thing is to find an exercise that is enjoyable and sustainable.

It can be helpful to work with a certified personal trainer or a physical therapist who has experience working with people with cancer to develop a safe and effective exercise program.

How exercise can increase life expectancy for those battling colon cancer

Studies have shown that regular exercise can improve survival rates for people with colon cancer.

A meta-analysis of 42 studies showed that people with colon cancer who engaged in higher levels of physical activity had a 28% lower risk of dying from the disease compared to those who were less active. The benefit was even greater for people with stage III colon cancer, with a 42% lower risk of dying from the disease.

Another study found that people with colon cancer who engaged in at least six hours of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week had a 33% lower risk of dying from any cause compared to those who were inactive. The benefits of exercise appear to be dose-dependent, meaning that the more exercise you do, the greater the benefit.

Conclusion

Colon cancer is a common and serious disease that affects millions of people worldwide.

While the road to recovery can be long and challenging, exercise can be an effective tool to improve physical and emotional health and quality of life during and after treatment. Exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of developing colon cancer, improve survival rates, reduce the risk of recurrence after treatment, reduce the side effects of treatment, and improve physical and emotional function.

It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting an exercise program and to tailor the exercise prescription to the individual’s needs and abilities. The benefits of exercise are significant and can help increase life expectancy for those battling colon cancer.