Why Exercise is Crucial for Colorectal Cancer Survivors
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Colorectal cancer survivors are often bombarded with advice on navigating their lives after diagnosis and treatment.
One of the most important pieces of advice they should be taking to heart is that exercise is a crucial part of their survivorship journey.
This blog post will discuss why exercise is so important for colorectal cancer survivors even before treatment starts, exercise guidelines, and the role of cancer rehab providers.
Why You Should Be Exercising Before Colorectal Cancer Treatment
There are plenty of reasons why you should be exercising! Exercise before treatment can have a positive impact on colorectal cancer health outcomes. Studies have found that people who exercised before their surgery had better surgical outcomes than those who did not; they experienced less pain, needed fewer pain medications after their surgery, had shorter hospital stays, and experienced improved overall quality of life after the surgery. For colorectal cancer survivors receiving chemotherapy treatment, those who exercise generally experience fewer side effects from chemotherapy treatments and are able to complete more sessions than those who do not exercise. Finally, research supports that regular physical activity can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer recurrence or progression.
Exercise Guidelines for Cancer Survivors
Cancer survivors should follow general exercise guidelines when planning their workout regimen. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise, or a combination of the two. Examples of moderate-intensity aerobic exercises include brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or even heavy yard work. Vigorous-intensity aerobic activities include jogging, hiking, or martial arts. Resistance training should also be included in your exercise program for at least two days per week. Strength training should focus on major muscle groups and includes:
Resistance band workout routines
Bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, and pushups. You can even use a bodyweight suspension system like TRX.
Using weight machines, free weights, and kettlebells
However, each person needs to consider their situation and goals when creating an exercise plan. This leads us to the role of cancer rehab!
The Role of Cancer Rehab Providers
Cancer rehab providers play an essential role in helping colorectal cancer survivors safely return to their everyday lives after treatment ends. Cancer rehab providers specialize in creating individualized plans for each patient's needs based on their medical history and current condition. They can guide you on safe ways to gradually increase your physical activity levels over time so that you don't overexert yourself or experience unnecessary discomfort while still getting the most benefit from your workouts. Furthermore, these healthcare providers work closely with your oncology team throughout the process to ensure that any recommended interventions are appropriate given your overall health status and any past, current, or planned cancer treatments. Read my previous blog post, "What is Cancer Rehab?" to learn more about what to expect in cancer rehab.
Regular physical activity is essential for colorectal cancer survivors. Not only does it help improve surgical outcomes before treatment begins, but it also helps reduce symptoms associated with the disease during and after treatment. Working with a cancer rehab provider can be incredibly helpful in developing a personalized program that meets your specific needs while keeping you safe throughout your journey toward recovery.
References
Choy KT, Lam K, Kong JC. Exercise and colorectal cancer survival: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Colorectal Dis. 2022 Aug;37(8):1751-1758. doi: 10.1007/s00384-022-04224-5. Epub 2022 Jul 27. PMID: 35882678; PMCID: PMC9388423.
Kim JY, Lee MK, Lee DH, Kang DW, Min JH, Lee JW, Chu SH, Cho MS, Kim NK, Jeon JY. Effects of a 12-week home-based exercise program on quality of life, psychological health, and the level of physical activity in colorectal cancer survivors: a randomized controlled trial. Support Care Cancer. 2019 Aug;27(8):2933-2940. doi: 10.1007/s00520-018-4588-0. Epub 2018 Dec 18. PMID: 30564936.
Minnella EM, Carli F. Prehabilitation and functional recovery for colorectal cancer patients. Eur J Surg Oncol. 2018 Jul;44(7):919-926. doi: 10.1016/j.ejso.2018.04.016. Epub 2018 Apr 30. PMID: 29754828.
