A new study from Louisiana State University (LSU) presents compelling evidence underscoring the power of physical activity not just as preventive medicine but as a significant factor improving survival rates among cancer survivors. The research, recently published in the peer-reviewed journal CANCER, examined long-term outcomes for individuals following treatment for colon cancer, shedding light on how regular exercise can help mitigate risks associated with this disease.
Diagnosed individuals typically face steeper mortality rates compared to the general population, particularly among colon cancer survivors. Given this alarming trend, researchers sought to determine if engaging in regular physical activity could alleviate these concerns. Analyzing data from two post-treatment clinical trials, the study encompassed 2,875 participants who self-reported their levels of physical activity following cancer surgery and chemotherapy. To quantify these activities, researchers used the Metabolic Equivalent (MET) hours per week, which is standard for measuring exercise intensity.
The findings were notable: participants engaging in less than 3 MET-hours of exercise each week recorded survival rates significantly lower than their peers, with 17.1% lower than expected for the general populace. Conversely, those exercising over 18 MET-hours weekly faced only a 3.5% decline compared to non-cancer patients. This stark difference highlights the potential of physical activity to greatly improve life expectancy.
Interestingly, another trial confirmed these patterns. Patients with minimal activity reported only 10.8% lower survival rates, whereas those exceeding 18 MET-hours suffered just 4.4% lower survival. The study emphasizes the phrase: exercise can eliminate survival disparities, offering hope to those fighting colon cancer.
Lead author Justin C. Brown from the Pennington Biomedical Research Center stated, “This new information can help patients with colon cancer understand how factors... can have meaningful impact on their long-term prognosis.” Brown’s insights advocate for physical activity as something patients can actively control, providing them with tools to improve their health and survivorship.
Beyond the direct correlations to cancer survival rates, engaging regularly in physical activity yields numerous health benefits. Exercise not only bolsters immune functionality but also enhances cardiovascular health and mental wellbeing. Survivors often experience anxiety, depression, and fatigue—which regular workouts can alleviate. Exercise also regulates body weight and inflammation, both significant factors contributing to cancer advancement.
Experts recommend cancer survivors aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly. Activities such as brisk walking, cycling, and swimming should be on every survivor's to-do list, along with strength training and yoga.
While regular exercise continues to gain traction, the cognitive benefits of mental engagement are equally inspiring. Recent research led by Dr. Estela Càmara at the IDIBELL institute emphasizes cognitive activities' protective effects against Huntington's disease progression. This study suggests mental engagement can be as transformative as physical exercise.
Huntington's disease, known for gradually damaging brain cells and impacting mood and movement, may be dulled by consistent cognitive engagement. Activities like reading, brain games, and even learning new skills have shown promise. Through questionnaires and high-tech brain imaging, Dr. Càmara’s team tracked individuals with Huntington's, aiming to ascertain whether higher mental activity levels correlated with slower symptom progression.
Participants kept records detailing their cognitive engagement spanning education to hobbies, which were followed yearly for up to six years. Findings indicated those who actively challenged their minds throughout their lives displayed noticeably slower progression of symptoms—particularly strong brain resilience.
“New research suggests cognitive engagement... could help protect the brain,” Dr. Càmara noted, highlighting the remarkable intersection of mental vigor and neurological health. Participants who consistently engaged their brains—be it through career accomplishments or passionate hobbies—tended to have slower declines across mood, mind, and mobility symptoms associated with this relentless disease.
So, how does one maintain this mental activity? Much like incorporating physical exercise, cognitive exercises can be integrated seamlessly. Engaging with puzzles, reading books, learning languages, or even picking up music can all contribute to this aspect of brain health.
Huntington's may be formidable, but there’s hope. While no cure currently exists, cognitive engagement acts as a formidable barrier against waning brain health. The essence of both studies reveals something remarkable: the interconnection between mental and physical exercise is potent. From significantly boosting cancer survivorship to lessening cognitive decline, physical activity and cognitive prowess emerge as beacons of health.
Embrace this duality! For cancer survivors, embarking on regular workouts fosters recovery; for those with Huntington's disease, challenging the mind might decelerate its relentless progression. By addressing both physical and mental health actively, individuals take substantial strides toward living longer, healthier lives. So why not pick up a book, lace-up those running shoes, or join a group class? Your body and mind will surely thank you.