Exercise ups colon cancer survival rates

BOSTON, Dec. 16 (UPI) -- 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.