Brisk walks could cut risk of death for colon cancer patients by more than a third, study finds
A structured exercise routine can reduce the risk of death for people with colon cancer by more than a third, a study has found.
The results, unveiled at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) conference on Sunday, could transform how colon cancer is treated around the world, the researchers said.
The scientists hope the findings will prompt healthcare providers to integrate exercise plans into routine cancer care.
The CO21 CHALLENGE trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, followed 889 people with colon cancer across six countries, including the UK.
It found that a structured exercise programme significantly reduced the likelihood of the disease returning and improved overall survival compared with standard advice.
After five years, 80 per cent of patients who followed a tailored exercise regime were cancer-free, compared with 74 per cent of those who were offered just health education materials.
This means the risk of dying, cancer coming back, or developing a new cancer was 28 per cent lower in the exercise group.
After eight years, survival rates were 90 per cent in the exercise group compared to 83 per cent in the health education group, representing a 37 per cent lower risk of death.
More than 31,000 people in the UK die from colon cancer every year, according to Cancer Research UK.
The study was part-funded by Cancer Research UK's Stand Up To Cancer campaign and carried out in collaboration with the Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG).
The three-year programme saw patients supported by physical activity consultants, starting with weekly in-person sessions for the first six months and moving to monthly sessions either in person or online. Activities were tailored to the individual, from brisk walking to gym-based circuit training.
Among the patients to benefit from the trial was Margaret Tubridy, 69, from north Belfast.
Before her cancer diagnosis, she said she had never exercised. Now, five years on, she says she is lifting weights, pole walking and taking part in gym classes twice a week.
'It's been almost five years since my cancer diagnosis and if I meet anyone, I tell them I am doing great,' she said.
'Taking part in the trial helped me so much – I am stronger, fitter, and my anxiety is better. I never thought at 69 years of age I would be able to do all of this – I am chuffed to bits.'
Professor Vicky Coyle, UK lead researcher and clinical professor at Queen's University Belfast, said the study gives 'clear and encouraging' evidence that physical activity can reduce colon cancer mortality.
'We now need to work with policymakers and healthcare providers to embed exercise into treatment plans where appropriate,' she said.
Cancer Research UK said the findings should act as a wake-up call for health services, adding it could 'transform clinical practice'.
However, Caroline Geraghty, senior specialist information nurse at the charity, said this can only happen 'if health services have the necessary funding and staff to make it a reality for patients'.
She added: 'It's important to remember that every cancer journey is different – starting new activities after treatment can feel overwhelming, and it may not be the right option for everyone. Take things at your own pace and speak to your doctor to discuss what is safe for you.'
The researchers said more work is needed to explore the biological mechanisms behind exercise's effect on cancer, but the evidence is already strong enough to prompt urgent action.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Alcohol should have labels warning drinkers of cancer risks, charities say
Cans and bottles of beer, wine and spirits should explicitly warn drinkers that alcohol causes cancer, an unprecedented alliance of doctors, charities and public experts have said. Warning labels would tackle 'shockingly low' public awareness in the UK that alcohol is proven to cause seven forms of cancer and 17,000 cases a year of the disease, they claim. Dozens of medical and health organisations have written to Keir Starmer urging him to take the radical step of compelling alcohol producers to include such warnings in order to improve public health. The labels must be 'bold and unambiguous', said the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), which coordinated the letter. 'The evidence is clear: health labelling on alcoholic drinks is urgently needed in the UK to help save lives,' it said. 'They should carry strong, clear messages about the health risks, which include the risk of cancer, far beyond vague advice like 'consume in moderation'.' Kate Oldridge-Turner, the WCRF's head of policy and public affairs, said: 'Providing alcohol warning labels would empower millions to make informed choices by clearly understanding the risks.' Evidence cited by charities such as the WCRF and Cancer Research UK shows that alcohol increases the risk of breast, bowel, stomach, head, neck, liver and mouth cancer. Ireland is to become the first country in the world to include cancer warning labels on alcoholic products. From next May, alcohol sold in the republic will have to carry a warning that 'there is a direct link between alcohol and fatal cancers'. The labels will also warn that drinking can cause liver disease and affect foetuses. Prof Sir Ian Gilmore, the chair of the Alcohol Health Alliance, urged the UK to follow suit. He said: 'We must look to the fearless work of our neighbours in Ireland whose new labelling policy provides a level playing field for all producers, leaving no room for loopholes or hiding information behind QR codes or tiny print. 'Improved alcohol labelling, including clear health warnings about the link to cancer, is not just a public health measure, it's a fundamental consumer right. People deserve to know the risks so they can make informed choices about their health. But current labels and weak regulations are keeping drinkers in the dark.' The drinks industry dismissed the call and said warnings would make drinkers anxious. A spokesperson for the Portman Group, a drinks industry-funded body that oversees alcohol labelling in the UK, said: 'Whilst we do not dispute the link between alcohol and certain cancers, and that drinking at harmful levels is dangerous and increases risks, blanket cancer warning labels are not a proportionate policy measure and do not put the risks into an appropriate context. 'This can create unnecessary anxiety, eroding trust in health advice and alienating the very people who require support.' The spokesperson said most alcohol products already included advice from the chief medical officers of the UK's four home nations to drink no more than 14 units of alcohol a week. 'Most people already drink within this guidance, which means their risks for associated diseases are low', they said. In February, the World Health Organization's European office declared: 'Clear and prominent health warning labels on alcohol, which include a specific cancer warning, are a cornerstone of the right to health.' In a report, it urged governments to introduce them to help reduce alcohol-related harm and raise awareness of the link between drinking and cancer. Dr Gauden Galea, a WHO adviser, said in the report that policymakers should 'resist all the pressure that will inevitably come from commercial actors' who claim such warnings do not work. In January, Vivek Murthy, the US surgeon general under the then president, Joe Biden, said cancer warning labels were needed because drinking led to about 100,000 cancer diagnoses a year in the US. It was the third most common preventable cause of cancer after tobacco and obesity, he added. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: 'Drinking alcohol increases the risk of a range of health issues, including several cancers. That is why we recommend people drink within the UK chief medical officer's alcohol guidelines of fewer than 14 units a week, and strongly recommend these are displayed clearly on all alcohol products. 'We recognise the need for more action on the impact of alcohol on health; for too long there has been an unwillingness to lead on this issue. Our plan for change will shift healthcare towards prevention, including through early intervention, to support people to live longer, healthier lives across the UK.'
Medscape
2 days ago
- Medscape
ASCO 2025: New Standards Reshape Care in mBC
Heather McArthur, MD, describes how the 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting brought exciting advances in the metastatic breast cancer space. In PD-L1-positive triple-negative breast cancer, sacituzumab govitecan combined with pembrolizumab significantly improved progression-free survival over standard chemotherapy plus pembrolizumab, quickly becoming a new standard of care. Similarly, in HER2-positive disease, trastuzumab deruxtecan combined with pertuzumab outperformed traditional THP therapy, offering a new frontline option. Overall, these findings signify a major shift in how to treat metastatic breast cancer.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Transgene completes initial screening in Phase II part of TG4050 vaccine trial
Transgene has completed the initial subject screening for the Phase II segment of its Phase I/II trial of individualised neoantigen therapeutic vaccine, TG4050, as a monotherapy in the adjuvant treatment of human papillomavirus (HPV)-negative squamous head and neck cancers. The vaccine is based on the myvac platform powered by its partner NEC's AI to enhance antigen selection. During the Phase I portion of the trial, all subjects treated with the vaccine remained disease-free post a minimum follow-up of two years, demonstrating clinical proof of principle. Translational data indicated that these subjects showed sustained T cell responses at 24 months. Meeting all trial endpoints, the findings were shared at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO 2025) annual meeting. The company anticipates completing the randomisation of all subjects in the Phase II part by the end of this year, after a second screening carried out post-surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy. Around 80 subjects who have completely responded to adjuvant therapy are expected to be enrolled and randomised in the Phase I/II trial. The first immunogenicity data from the Phase II part are projected to be available in the second half of 2026, with preliminary efficacy data anticipated in the second half of 2027. The trial is assessing the treatment benefits of the vaccine in individuals at risk of relapse. So far, 32 evaluable patients have been included in the Phase I part, with the Phase II continuing globally. Transgene chief medical officer Dr Emmanuelle Dochy said: 'Timely completion of first patient screening of the Phase II part of our Phase I/II trial is an important milestone for Transgene and brings us one step closer to providing a new treatment option for patients living with operable squamous head and neck cancer. 'With meaningful data readouts expected over the next two years, we are preparing to deliver important data for TG4050 and, at the same time, explore its wider potential. We are grateful to the patients, their families, investigators, and clinical staff whose commitment made this achievement possible.' "Transgene completes initial screening in Phase II part of TG4050 vaccine trial" was originally created and published by Clinical Trials Arena, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
