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Physical activity advice could become part of routine care for colorectal cancer survivors


Physical activity in colorectal cancer survivors

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most common cancer in the UK [1]. In observational studies, regular participation in physical activity by CRC survivors has been found to be associated with positive health outcomes [2–4]. For example, in a recent meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies those who participated in high levels of physical activity after diagnosis (vs low levels) had a significantly lower risk (relative risk: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.47–0.92) of CRC-specific mortality, and a similar inverse association was found for all-cause mortality [3]. However, despite potential benefits, physical activity levels in this population are low during and after treatment [5,6].

Meta-analytic data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of physical activity in cancer survivors of mixed diagnoses (but mostly breast cancer) show improvements in many outcomes that are of particular importance to patients, including reductions in cancer-related fatigue and improved quality of life [7,8].

Click here to view the full article in Future Oncology.