A groundbreaking trial revealed that structured exercise programs for cancer patients post-treatment can reduce the risk of death by 37% and new cancer developments by 28%. Previously, evidence supporting the role of exercise in post-diagnosis care was scarce. The findings, presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology's annual meeting, suggest that exercise is more effective than many prescribed drugs in preventing cancer recurrence. Health experts believe this could redefine cancer care guidelines, emphasizing physical activity's critical role in recovery and long-term survival.
Patients who began a structured exercise regime with the help of a personal trainer or health coach after they completed treatment had a 37% lower risk of death and a 28% lower risk of recurrent or new cancers developing, compared with patients who received only health advice.
Dr Julie Gralow expressed that the quality of the findings was the highest level of evidence, indicating that this will lead to a major shift in understanding the importance of encouraging physical activity during and after treatment.
For the first time in medical history, there was clear evidence that exercise was even better at preventing cancer recurrence and death than many drugs currently prescribed to patients.
I would have retitled it Better than a Drug, because you don't have all the side effects that drugs have," said Dr. Gralow, emphasizing the significance of exercise over pharmaceuticals.
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