Exercise extends life 'better than drugs': Study finds surprise 'cure' for cancer

Exercise doesn’t need any more good press than it already has. A regular workout is vital for both physical and mental health, offering numerous benefits like preventing chronic diseases, improving mood and sleep, and boosting energy levels. It also helps in managing weight, building strength, and enhancing overall well-being.

However, that’s not all.

Recent findings from a groundbreaking trial indicate that exercise can significantly reduce the risk of death in cancer patients by one-third, prevent tumor recurrence, and may even be more effective than traditional medications.

This landmark study, which involved participants from countries including the US, UK, Australia, France, Canada, and Israel, highlights the critical role of structured exercise regimens following cancer treatment.


What does the study say?

Historically, medical advice has emphasized a healthy lifestyle to minimize cancer risk, but evidence regarding the benefits of exercise post-diagnosis has been limited. This new research is poised to change health guidelines globally. Published in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting in Chicago, the study showcases the profound impact of physical activity on cancer outcomes.

Researchers discovered that a structured exercise program, especially when guided by a personal trainer or health coach, led to a 37% reduction in mortality risk and a 28% decrease in the likelihood of new or recurring cancers for patients compared to those who only received general health advice.

Dr. Julie Gralow, the chief medical officer of ASCO, who was not involved in the decade-long study, said the quality of its findings was the “highest level of evidence” and would lead to “a major shift in understanding the importance of encouraging physical activity during and after treatment.”

The trial engaged 889 colon cancer patients, primarily at stage three, over a span from 2009 to 2023. Participants were divided into two groups: one followed a structured exercise plan, while the other received a healthy lifestyle booklet. Those in the exercise group participated in bi-monthly sessions with personal trainers, gradually transitioning to monthly sessions over three years, with exercise goals that equated to three to four walks of 45 to 60 minutes weekly.

After five years, patients in the exercise group exhibited a 28% lower risk of cancer recurrence. By the eighth year, their risk of dying was reduced by 37% compared to the control group.


Dr. Christopher Booth, of Queen’s University in Kingston, Canada, and the study's lead author, emphasized that these results provide a clear recommendation for patients seeking ways to improve their outcomes.

As per Dr. Booth, “After completing surgery and chemotherapy, about 30% of patients with high-risk stage two and stage three colon cancer will eventually experience recurrence of their disease,” adding, “As oncologists, one of the most common questions we get asked by patients is ‘What else can I do to improve my outcome?’

Dr. Booth mentioned, “These results now provide us with a clear answer: an exercise program that includes a personal trainer will reduce the risk of recurrent or new cancer, make you feel better, and help you live longer.”


What do the experts say?

When Dr. Garlow was asked to put the effect of exercise on cancer patients’ outcomes into context, she said, “We titled [the session it was presented in] As Good as a Drug. I would have retitled it Better than a Drug because you don’t have all the side effects,” adding, “It’s the same magnitude of benefit of many drugs that get approved for this kind of magnitude of benefit – 28% decreased risk of occurrence, 37% decreased risk of death. Drugs get approved for less than that, and they’re expensive and they’re toxic.”

Dr. Garlow also mentioned, “When I started three decades ago, it was still the era where we’d be gentle and say, don’t overdo yourself when you’re on chemo. We’ve reversed that. I would say [exercise is] better than a drug.”


Prof. Charles Swanton, the chief clinician at Cancer Research UK, emphasized the significant health benefits of exercise, particularly in relation to cancer recovery. As per him, “This fascinating study captures the power of exercise to transform people’s health and boost their chances of surviving cancer after treatment. For an intervention that isn’t a drug, exercise offers remarkable benefits for patients.”

For some patients, “physical activity can be a game-changer that shifts the course of their recovery”, Swanton added. As per him, “The findings suggest that oncologists should consider recommending a structured exercise program after surgery to improve people’s chances of survival. But it’s important to remember that exercise isn’t the best option for everyone. My advice to cancer patients is to speak to your doctor before taking on any new physical activity.”

Although Swanton described physical activity as a potential game-changer for many patients, suggesting that oncologists should consider recommending structured exercise programs following surgery to support recovery and survival, he also cautioned that exercise might not be suitable for everyone, advising cancer patients to consult their doctors before starting any new physical activity regimen.

The implications of these findings are expected to influence medical practice globally, with calls for doctors to discuss exercise plans with patients after treatment.

While the study focused specifically on colon cancer patients, experts like Dr. Gralow believe the results could be relevant to other types of cancer. Dr. Booth acknowledged that while further trials are necessary, preliminary data indicated lower incidences of breast and prostate cancer among patients who exercised.

Dr. Pamela Kunz from Yale School of Medicine remarked on the clear benefits of exercise as a therapeutic intervention, advocating for its broader implementation in cancer care. Responding to the study's findings, Prof. Sir Stephen Powis, the national medical director of NHS England, expressed enthusiasm about the potential life-changing effects of tailored exercise programs. He highlighted that integrating physical activity—even simple forms like walking—could significantly enhance the body’s ability to prevent cancer recurrence and potentially save more lives. Additionally, he noted that increased activity could help maintain a healthy weight, strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation, and improve mood, reinforcing the idea that exercise may play a crucial role in surviving cancer.