BOSTON, Dec 16, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- Men with colorectal cancer were more
likely to survive if they exercised regularly, U.S. researchers found.
Researchers from Boston's Dana-Farber Cancer Institute studied 668 men with
colorectal cancer and found those engaged in moderate physical activity were 53
percent more likely to be alive and free of the disease than those who were less
physically active.
More than 50 percent of the men exercised the equivalent of one hour of walking
-- at least six days per week -- although the men engaged in a variety of
different recreational exercises. The benefit of exercise was seen regardless of
age, how advanced the cancer, weight and any history of previous physical
activity.
"Previous research has shown regular physical activity reduces the risk of
developing colon cancer," study lead author Dr. Jeffrey A. Meyerhardt said in a
statement. "This current study confirms two other studies from our group that
shows physical activity by colorectal cancer survivors helps them live longer
than those survivors who are not physically active."
The findings were published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
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Copyright 2009 by United Press International