How Exercise Improves Stage IV Colon Cancer Survival

In addition to being one of best things you can do for your health, exercise can help you survive cancer. According to a recent study, just 30 minutes of exercise can greatly improve survival rates for colorectal cancer patients.

Physical Activity Can Improve Stage IV Survival

Exercise already has a great track record for reducing cancer risk. But the Journal of Clinical Oncology recently published the first study to link physical activity and surviving stage IV colorectal cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, patients with stage IV (metastatic) colon cancers historically have a relative survival rate of only about 12% after 5 years of being diagnosed.

During the study, around 1,000 cancer patients described their physical activity routine during chemotherapy. Researchers found 30 minutes of moderate physical activity per day reduced the risk of disease progression by 21% and death by 29%.

• 4 or more hours per week increased survival rate by 20%
• 5 or more hours per week increased survival by 25%

What mattered most was not the intensity of the activity, but how long the patients exercised. Even practicing non-vigorous activities, like walking and yoga, provided benefits.

The results remained significant even after factoring in weight, gender, age, and the type of chemotherapy received.

Exercise is an Essential Part of a Healthy Lifestyle

The National Cancer Institute defines physical activity as movements using skeletal muscles (muscles attached to bones that move your body) that requires more energy than resting.

Along with familiar options like taking classes or joining a gym, many everyday practices count as physical activity. Household chores (like gardening) or taking a quick walk during a coffee break can add up to improve your health.

See our article on staying active for more exercise suggestions and tips.