Optimizing Wellness: The Best Exercise for Colon Cancer Patients

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The journey of a colon cancer survivor is filled with challenges, one of which is staying physically active. However, did you know that physical activity plays a crucial role in improving the quality of life, reducing the risk of recurrence, and enhancing overall survival for colon cancer patients? In this blog post, we will delve into the relationship between exercise and colon cancer, backed by scientific research, and discuss the best exercise for colon cancer patients. Brace yourself for a wealth of knowledge that will not only enlighten you but also inspire you to embrace a more active lifestyle, whether you are a cancer survivor, a patient, or someone interested in prevention.

Key Takeaways

  • Physical activity is essential for colon cancer survivors, providing primary benefits such as improved quality of life and reduced risk of recurrence.

  • Exercises like aerobic, resistance and flexibility training can reduce inflammation in individuals with colon cancer.

  • Exercise programs should be tailored to the stage of treatment under a healthcare professional’s guidance to ensure optimal outcomes.

The Vital Role of Physical Activity for Colon Cancer Survivors

A group of people doing aerobic exercise in a gym

Physical activity is more than just a means to burn calories. For individuals diagnosed with colon cancer, it offers primary benefits of improving quality of life, reducing the risk of recurrence, and enhancing overall survival. So, how does this work?

Research suggests that physical activity could potentially prevent or delay cancer recurrence. Studies have shown a lower rate of cancer recurrence in physically active patients compared to their inactive counterparts. This is particularly significant in the initial postoperative year, suggesting that it is most advantageous to initiate exercise as soon after surgery as feasible.

Moreover, the overall survival benefit of physical activity was observed to persist for approximately 3 years following surgical resection, and it may also help in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Imagine that! Not only does exercise help in your battle against cancer, but it also shields you from other health threats.

Beyond physical health, consistent physical activity can also offer benefits related to physical activity and cancer, such as:

  • tumor biology

  • cancer care delivery

  • decreased cancer-related fatigue

  • improved quality of life

This holds true not only for colon cancer patients but also for breast cancer survivors, as both groups have dealt with cancer cells in their journey.

The prescribed quantity of physical activity for colon cancer survivors is 9 MET-h/wk, which is equivalent to approximately 150 minutes per week of brisk walking. This can also help in maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI). However, remember to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise program.

Exercise Types Beneficial for Colon Cancer Patients

A person practicing flexibility exercises in a yoga studio

Wondering what kind of exercises are beneficial for individuals diagnosed with colon cancer? An assortment of exercises, such as aerobic, resistance, and flexibility training, can be advantageous for individuals with colon cancer, including those with metastatic colorectal cancer. These exercises can influence inflammation and the progression of cancer.

In studies involving animal models of CRC, such as the one conducted by Mehl et al., it was observed that treadmill running had a notable effect in reducing plasma IL-6 levels, consequently inhibiting CRC progression. This was further corroborated by a research experiment involving rats exposed to 1, 2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH). After engaging in treadmill exercise 5 days a week for 8 weeks, there was an observed decrease in ACF. This indicates a positive impact on physical health from the consistent exercise routine..

In conclusion, including a combination of exercises — such as aerobic, resistance, and flexibility training — in your regimen can be beneficial due to their proven ability to decrease inflammation, which contributes to the progression of colon cancer. These exercises can form a crucial component of a comprehensive strategy to enhance the health outcomes for colon cancer patients both during and after treatment.

Structuring an Exercise Program

How do you customize an exercise program for a patient diagnosed with colon cancer? Here are some steps to follow:

  1. Begin with low-impact activities.

  2. Establish achievable objectives.

  3. Include strength training.

  4. Pay attention to the body’s signals.

  5. Talking to a healthcare professional before you start working out is a smart move, especially to make sure the exercises fit your health needs.

The prescribed physical activity guidelines for colon cancer survivors recommend engaging in a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise per week in order to enhance physical function and quality of life. Again, it’s crucial to consult with a professional before starting any exercise program.

Remember, the stage of colon cancer treatment has a significant impact on the planning of your exercise programs. It would be more intense in the early stages, emphasizing strength and endurance, while in later stages, adjustments are often necessary to address side effects such as fatigue and pain.

Overcoming Barriers to Exercise Participation

One of the major obstacles to exercise for colon cancer survivors is fatigue. It is a prevalent symptom that hinders their capacity to partake in physical activities due to reduced energy levels, motivation, and physical stamina. But don’t let this discourage you!

Approaches that can be utilized to encourage colon cancer survivors to participate in regular physical activity include:

  • The SurvivorCHESS program

  • Identifying enjoyable forms of exercise

  • Providing supervised exercise training

  • Highlighting the essential role of exercise in post-treatment management

These approaches, often employed in clinical trials, have the potential to enhance motivation and improve the overall quality of life for survivors.

The Intersection of Exercise and Cancer Treatment

A person receiving cancer treatment while doing light exercise

We’ve seen how physical activity can help colon cancer survivors in their journey. But what about during the treatment phase? Can exercise complement cancer treatment? The answer is a resounding yes!

Indeed, it’s safe for those with colon cancer to exercise during their chemotherapy. Participating in physical activity while undergoing treatment can alleviate symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety, and depression, improve quality of life, and deter muscle loss. However, it’s important to avoid exercises that cause pain or exacerbate existing problems.

So, what kinds of physical activities are recommended during treatment? Individuals with colon cancer are advised to participate in regular exercise while undergoing treatment, including moderate-intensity activities such as walking, golf, and gardening. Engaging in vigorous activities like running, swimming, and playing squash has also been shown to be advantageous.

Regular physical activity can enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatments by modulating various cellular mechanisms. Some of the ways that regular physical activity affects specific cellular mechanisms include:

  • Inducing skeletal muscle to produce SPARC

  • Lowering levels of sex hormones and growth factors associated with cancer growth

  • Reducing insulin resistance

  • Improving weaknesses, muscle strength, and quality of life.

Indeed, exercise has the potential to enhance chemotherapy outcomes. Research indicates that exercise can notably:

  • Decrease the likelihood of colorectal cancer

  • Improve disease-free survival following surgery for stage III colon cancer

  • Enhance response to chemotherapy

Exercise is viable and carries a minimal risk of negative effects.

Enhancing Treatment Efficacy through Exercise

So, what exactly makes exercise enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatments? Let’s explore further. Regular physical activity can enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatments by modulating various cellular mechanisms.

Regular physical activity affects specific cellular mechanisms by:

  • Inducing skeletal muscle to produce SPARC

  • Lowering levels of sex hormones and growth factors associated with cancer growth

  • Reducing insulin resistance

  • Improving weaknesses, muscle strength, and quality of life

These mechanisms all contribute to the effectiveness of cancer treatments.

Research indicates that exercise can notably decrease the likelihood of colorectal cancer, is viable, and carries a minimal risk of negative effects. Furthermore, physical activity has been found to improve disease-free survival following surgery for stage III colon cancer, indicating a potential enhanced response to chemotherapy.

Exercise During Chemotherapy: Is It Safe?

You might be asking, ‘Is it safe to exercise during chemotherapy?’ The answer is yes. Engaging in safe physical activities such as regular aerobic exercises like walking, jogging, or cycling, as well as strength training exercises including weightlifting is advisable for individuals with colon cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Before starting any exercise regime, individuals should seek advice from their healthcare team.

However, patients with neutropenia should exercise caution to mitigate infection risks. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so always listen to your body and avoid exercises that induce pain or worsen existing issues.

Engaging in physical activity during chemotherapy can offer several benefits, including:

  • Enhancing surgical tolerance

  • Reducing post-surgery hospitalization duration

  • Providing advantages to individuals with advanced colorectal cancer

  • Alleviating fatigue, anxiety, and depression

  • Improving balance and mobility

  • Lowering the likelihood of disease recurrence and mortality associated with colon cancer.

Tailored Exercises for Different Stages of Recovery

Just as every individual is unique, so too should be the exercise program tailored for each patient. The best approach to exercise for colon cancer patients is to tailor the regimen to different stages of recovery. This can help patients regain strength and function gradually, while accommodating their individual needs and abilities.

During the immediate post-operative recovery period, engaging in stretching and low-intensity resistance exercises can promote flexibility and facilitate overall recovery. Seeking personalized exercise guidance from a healthcare professional or physical therapist is recommended.

When undergoing advanced cancer treatments, it is recommended that a colon cancer patient modifies their exercise routine according to their current capabilities and energy levels, gradually increasing the level of physical activity. Guidelines recommend the following:

  • 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75-150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activities per week

  • At least two days of resistance training

  • Stretching major muscle groups twice a week, with guidance from a healthcare professional

The physical condition of a patient has a significant impact on the recommended exercises following treatment. Typically, aerobic exercises such as walking or jogging, and strength training such as weight lifting are suggested. However, the selection of specific activities should be customized based on the individual’s condition and capabilities.

Colon cancer patients managing treatment-related fatigue can engage in safe and effective exercises, including aerobic activities like walking, jogging, or cycling, as well as strength training such as weight lifting. Regular physical activity can play a significant role in alleviating the fatigue associated with cancer treatment.

Post-Operative Physical Activity Guidelines

Physical activity after surgery for colon cancer can offer numerous advantages, including enhanced survival rates, fewer postoperative complications, and a lower risk of colon cancer recurrence. So, what should a post-operative exercise regimen entail?

Following surgery, it is advisable for colon cancer patients to partake in regular aerobic activities such as walking, jogging, or cycling, and include strength training exercises like weightlifting. Additionally, incorporating exercises that target the transverse abdominal muscles, such as planks and side planks, is beneficial. Patients should select activities they find enjoyable and progressively elevate the duration and intensity of their workouts.

However, following surgery, colon cancer patients should initiate their exercise regimen with low-impact activities and gradually elevate the intensity under the guidance of healthcare professionals and based on individual comfort. Although there are no exercises that must be completely avoided, it is essential to be attentive to the body’s healing process and prevent overexertion.

Adapting Physical Activity During Advanced Treatments

For those undergoing advanced treatments for colon cancer, adapting physical activity is a key part of maintaining fitness levels while acknowledging treatment-related limitations. Suitable physical activities include regular aerobic exercises such as walking, jogging, or cycling, as well as strength training exercises like lifting weights.

Chemotherapy or radiation therapy can induce side effects such as fatigue and weakness, which may impact the ability of a colon cancer patient to engage in exercise. Nonetheless, adjusting physical activity can be advantageous during treatment, enhancing physical function and quality of life.

Potential modifications for exercises may include:

  • Commencing with low-intensity activities

  • Reducing the duration of exercise

  • Adjusting intensity in accordance with energy levels

  • Seeking guidance from healthcare professionals to ensure the sustainability and benefits of the activities throughout the treatment phase.

Safety measures to consider when engaging in physical activity during advanced cancer treatment include:

  • Consulting with healthcare professionals

  • Gradually increasing intensity

  • Paying attention to the body’s signals

  • Maintaining proper hydration

  • Modifying exercises as necessary

  • Avoiding high-impact activities

  • Taking breaks when needed

Monitoring Progress and Adjusting Goals

Monitoring progress and adjusting goals are two key components in achieving optimal fitness outcomes for colon cancer patients. This involves regular physical activity assessments and setting achievable fitness milestones.

Monitoring the progress of physical activity in colon cancer patients can be accomplished through a variety of methods. Effective approaches include:

  • Regular blood count monitoring

  • Quality of life assessments

  • Fitness evaluations

  • Monitoring disease recurrence and survival rates

This process aids in maintaining motivation and engagement in exercise routines, fostering a sense of accomplishment, enabling the visualization of progress, setting attainable goals, and facilitating adjustments to exercise programs as needed.

Indicators that a colon cancer survivor should consider modifying their fitness objectives include persistent fatigue, difficulty performing exercises, increased pain or discomfort, unexplained weight loss, changes in bowel habits, and worsening of other treatment-related symptoms. In response to these indicators, colon cancer patients can modify their fitness goals according to their progress by seeking guidance from their healthcare team, monitoring their symptoms and side effects, gradually increasing the intensity and duration of their workouts, establishing achievable goals, and paying attention to their body’s signals.

The Role of Physical Activity Assessment

Regular physical activity assessments can provide valuable insights into a patient’s progress and inform necessary adjustments. Conducting a physical activity assessment in colon cancer survivors is crucial as it assesses the survivor’s compliance with physical activity guidelines, fundamental for their physical and psychosocial health.

Techniques such as behavioral change methods, disease-specific quality of life assessment, and monitoring of physical activity levels are employed to evaluate the physical activity in individuals who have survived colon cancer. Assessing physical activity yields objective data regarding a survivor’s activity levels, which is essential for monitoring progress, establishing goals, and adjusting exercise programs as needed.

To ensure that survivors are achieving the recommended 17.5 to 35 MET hours per week of activity, it is recommended to conduct regular physical activity assessments. This consistent monitoring is important for maintaining the appropriateness of the survivor’s physical activity levels over time.

Setting Achievable Fitness Milestones

Setting achievable fitness milestones can help patients stay motivated and focused on their wellness journey. The recommended approach for colon cancer survivors when setting fitness milestones involves:

  • Consulting with a healthcare professional

  • Starting at a manageable pace and gradually increasing intensity

  • Setting realistic goals

  • Monitoring progress

  • Acknowledging achievements

Suitable fitness objectives for individuals diagnosed with colon cancer involve engaging in a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise per week. Recommended activities include walking, biking, gardening, jogging, dancing, jumping rope, swimming, and strengthening exercises.

Indicators of exercise progress for cancer survivors encompass:

  • Reduced fatigue

  • Enhanced quality of life

  • Improved physical function

  • Enhanced body composition

Although there is no specific guideline regarding the frequency of adjusting fitness milestones, it is advisable for survivors to participate in regular physical activity according to their individual capabilities and preferences. This may result in periodic adjustments as they make progress or as their conditions change.

The Science Behind Exercise and Colon Cancer Prevention

There’s an abundance of scientific research supporting the role of exercise in preventing colon cancer. The suggested molecular mechanisms by which exercise can potentially prevent and manage colorectal cancer involve:

  • The suppression of inflammation

  • Modulation of signaling pathways like the IGF axis and beta-catenin

  • Regulation of apoptosis and immunity

  • Reduction of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels and its associated signaling pathways

But let’s break this down.

Substantial evidence indicates a strong association between exercise and decreased rates of colorectal cancer incidence. This is exemplified by studies such as the Harvard Alumni Study, which demonstrated a 50% reduction in colon cancer rates among physically active men. In order to decrease the rates of colon cancer, it is recommended to engage in moderate to high levels of physical activity on a weekly basis. The median risk reduction for physically active males ranges between 30% and 40%, whereas for females, the estimated benefit of exercise is between 10% and 20%.

Engaging in physical activity can have the following effects:

  • Elevated ghrelin levels

  • Reduced leptin levels

  • Impact on epigenetic changes, including DNA methylation patterns at CpG sites within genes crucial for colorectal cancer

  • Influence on the differential methylation of target genes in normal versus neoplastic colonic epithelium.

Insulin Resistance and Colon Cancer Risk

Exercise can lower colon cancer risk by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing insulin-like growth factor signaling. Insulin resistance is correlated with an elevated risk of colon cancer. Elevated insulin levels have been connected to a higher risk of colorectal cancer, and conditions such as obesity, which commonly coexist with insulin resistance, are acknowledged as cancer risk factors.

Exercise enhances insulin sensitivity through multiple mechanisms, such as improving glucose uptake, restoring healthy insulin activity in the brain, and increasing muscle mass to utilize more glucose. Both aerobic and resistance training are involved in augmenting insulin sensitivity.

Exercise has the ability to modulate insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling, which has implications in cancer development. While increased serum IGF-1 levels have been observed after exercise, physical activity is ultimately known to contribute to reducing cancer risk, including through the insulin/IGF signaling pathway.

Immune Function and Exercise

Regular physical activity can modulate the immune system, potentially contributing to a reduced risk of colon cancer progression. Regular exercise exerts a beneficial impact on the immune system by enhancing the body’s immune response, decreasing susceptibility to illness and infections, and promoting the circulation of immune cells.

Exercise plays a crucial role in modulating the immune system for cancer prevention by enhancing immune surveillance, altering the immune landscape, and improving the immune system’s ability to control cancer growth. There is evidence to support that regular physical activity can reduce the incidence of certain types of cancer and improve outcomes in cancer patients.

Physical activity has a specific impact on the immune system by:

  • Altering antibodies and WBC counts

  • Stimulating cellular immunity through increased immune cell circulation

  • Decreasing inflammation

  • Reducing the likelihood of common infectious diseases

These alterations contribute to enhanced disease defense and immune function.

Holistic Health Benefits of Regular Exercise

Regular exercise provides holistic health benefits that extend beyond cancer prevention. It plays a vital role in lowering the risk of chronic diseases by enhancing various physiological systems, including strengthening the heart and circulation, reducing weight and body fat, and thus decreasing the risk of heart diseases.

Exercise also contributes to overall wellness and longevity by mitigating mortality risk factors and improving cardiovascular health. Engaging in regular physical activity provides substantial psychological benefits by enhancing mood and emotional states, boosting self-esteem, and improving concentration and sleep. It aids in alleviating symptoms of mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and stress, while fostering a greater sense of control and enhanced coping abilities.

Beyond Cancer: Exercise’s Impact on Chronic Diseases

Exercise can lower the risk of various chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, in addition to its cancer-preventive effects. Multiple studies have indicated a connection between consistent physical activity and a decreased likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes, with individuals engaging in physical activity experiencing a 30-50% reduction in risk.

For patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), exercise has the ability to alleviate symptoms, improve overall lung health, and enhance the well-being of patients, making breathing easier. Moreover, engaging in weight-bearing exercises, such as walking or weightlifting, is essential for maintaining skeletal strength as it stimulates muscles and tendons to exert force on bones. This non-drug approach can be highly effective in preventing osteoporosis.

Regular physical exercise has demonstrated the ability to decrease the risk and severity of stroke by improving vascular function and positively influencing stroke-related risk factors. The reduction in cerebrovascular and cardiovascular events associated with regular exercise further contributes to this risk reduction.

The Psychological Advantages of Staying Physically Active

A person practicing mindfulness and meditation in a peaceful setting

Staying physically active can provide psychological advantages. Regular physical activity provides substantial psychological benefits by:

  • Enhancing mood and emotional states

  • Boosting self-esteem

  • Improving concentration and sleep

  • Alleviating symptoms of mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and stress

  • Fostering a greater sense of control and enhanced coping abilities.

Indeed, exercise has the potential to decrease stress and anxiety levels in colon cancer patients. Research has demonstrated that physical activity has the capacity to enhance emotional distress and overall well-being in cancer patients. Engaging in regular physical activity can contribute to enhancing mood and mental well-being in colon cancer patients.

Regular physical activity exerts a beneficial influence on the mental well-being of colon cancer patients. It can contribute to:

  • reducing fatigue

  • reducing anxiety

  • reducing depression

  • enhancing overall quality of life.

Real Stories: Colon Cancer Survivors and Exercise Success

We’ve covered the benefits of exercise for colon cancer patients, the variety of exercises, and the scientific rationale behind exercise and colon cancer prevention. But nothing speaks louder than the voices of those who have walked the path. Real-life accounts of colon cancer survivors who successfully integrate exercise into their daily routines offer concrete illustrations of resilience and perseverance. These stories have the potential to encourage and empower individuals dealing with similar health struggles.

Exercise has been instrumental in improving the quality of life for colon cancer survivors. It has contributed to their overall well-being, reduced fatigue, and improved physical function. Additionally, exercise has helped in managing symptoms such as pain and nausea, and has been linked to a reduced risk of recurrence and improved survival rates.

Let’s look at some inspiring stories of colon cancer survivors who utilized exercise in their recovery:

  • Mike maintained his fitness regimen after undergoing laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer by incorporating targeted exercises.

  • Barbara shared her journey with stage 3 colon cancer and how she integrated exercise into her post-treatment routine.

  • Kris Sokolowski, a stage IV survivor, not only engages in regular exercise but also actively advocates for colorectal cancer prevention.

To gain further motivation, individuals can explore success stories on respected websites like the American Institute for Cancer Research, the National Cancer Institute, and the Colon Cancer Coalition, where numerous survivors share their experiences and the significance of physical activity in their healing process.

Summary

In this blog post, we’ve explored the vital role of physical activity for colon cancer survivors, the beneficial types of exercises, and the importance of structuring a personalized exercise program. We’ve also delved into how exercise can enhance treatment efficacy, the safety of exercising during chemotherapy, and how to tailor exercises for different stages of recovery. We’ve also looked at how to monitor progress and adjust goals, the science behind exercise and colon cancer prevention, and the holistic health benefits of regular exercise. Real stories of colon cancer survivors who have successfully incorporated exercise into their lives serve as an inspiration and motivation. It’s clear that regular physical activity plays a crucial role in improving the quality of life, reducing the risk of recurrence, and enhancing overall survival for colon cancer patients. So, tie up those shoelaces, and let’s get moving for a healthier tomorrow!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which exercise is good for colon cancer?

Exercising for four to five hours a week has been shown to be beneficial in colon cancer prevention and even improvement of advanced cancer. Incorporate different physical activities into your life such as walking, jogging, yoga, joining the gym, or playing sports for optimal results.

Can you live 10 years with colon cancer?

It is possible to live 10 years with colon cancer as around 55 out of 100 people (almost 55%) survive their cancer for at least 10 years.

How can I live longer with Stage 4 colon cancer?

Surgery to remove the cancerous cells and any areas of spread can help you live longer with Stage 4 colon cancer. Additionally, if the areas of spread are small, surgery may improve your quality of life.

How long is the average lifespan of a person with colon cancer?

The average lifespan of a person with colon cancer is approximately 5 years, with 92% of those diagnosed at Stage I living beyond this timeframe and 63% of all patients surviving over 5 years.

What are the methods for customizing an exercise program to meet the specific requirements of a patient diagnosed with colon cancer?

Customizing an exercise program for a patient with colon cancer should begin with low-impact activities, set achievable objectives, include strength training, and pay attention to the body’s signals.

About the author 

Manpreet Batish

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