A new study has found that regular physical activity—especially walking—can greatly reduce fatigue in people with colon cancer. The research was presented at a major medical conference hosted by the American Society of Clinical Oncology in San Francisco.
Fatigue is one of the most common and difficult problems cancer survivors face, even after treatment is finished. This ongoing tiredness can make it harder for people to enjoy daily life, stay active, or return to work. But the new study shows that simple exercise routines like walking can make a real difference.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles looked at data from more than 1,700 people who were part of an international study on colon cancer treatment. The average age of the participants was 67, and about half of them were women.
The research team tracked each person’s physical activity at four points: when they were diagnosed, and again at six months, one year, and two years later. They asked participants about how much moderate and vigorous exercise they did. Moderate activity included things like brisk walking or vacuuming, while vigorous activity included running or biking.
The results showed that people who started walking regularly within six to twelve months after their diagnosis had less fatigue and reported feeling better overall. This was especially true for those with colon cancer that had not spread to other parts of the body. Even people with more advanced cancer saw some improvements, though the results were not as strong in those cases.
One interesting finding was that a person’s fitness level at the time of their diagnosis didn’t predict how tired they would feel later on. This suggests that even if someone wasn’t active before their cancer diagnosis, starting to walk afterward could still help them feel better.
According to Dr. Joel Saltzman, vice chair of regional oncology at the Cleveland Clinic, who reviewed the findings, this study provides strong evidence that exercise helps cancer survivors.
“This longitudinal study provides clear evidence that increased levels of physical activity in colon cancer survivors with early-stage disease can lead to improved quality of life,” he said in a news release.
The researchers believe there may be a critical window of time after cancer treatment when starting an exercise routine could reduce long-term fatigue and improve recovery. They are now planning more research to understand exactly how exercise helps the body recover from cancer and reduce fatigue.
These findings give hope to many people recovering from colon cancer. The idea that something as simple and low-cost as walking could help fight fatigue is empowering. It also highlights the importance of supporting cancer patients not just during treatment, but throughout their recovery.
If you or someone you know is dealing with colon cancer, talk to a doctor about safe ways to start moving more. Even short walks a few times a week could make a meaningful difference in how you feel.
If you care about cancer, please read studies that artificial sweeteners are linked to higher cancer risk, and how drinking milk affects risks of heart disease and cancer.
For more health information, please see recent studies about the best time to take vitamins to prevent heart disease, and results showing vitamin D supplements strongly reduces cancer death.
The study is published in Journal of Clinical Oncology.
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