A three-year exercise program significantly improves survival rates for colon cancer survivors, according to a groundbreaking study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

The study followed 889 people with treatable colon cancer across 55 international centers. Participants who worked with fitness coaches showed remarkable improvements compared to those who only received health information:

• 80% disease-free rate at 5 years (vs 74% in control group)
• 90% overall survival rate at 8 years (vs 83% in control group)

These findings are particularly significant as colon cancer is the:

• 3rd most common cancer in males and females (excluding skin cancer)
• Leading cause of cancer death in adults aged 20-49
• Rising concern among young adults, with cases doubling from 5 to 10 per 100,000 since 1994

Key prevention strategies for colon cancer include:

• Regular exercise
• Plant-based diet
• Limited red and processed meat
• Reduced alcohol consumption
• No smoking
• Healthy weight management

Common symptoms to watch for:

• Changes in bowel habits
• Blood in stool
• Abdominal pain
• Unusual fatigue

Current guidelines recommend colon cancer screening starting at age 45, with earlier screening for those with family history or high-risk conditions like inflammatory bowel disease.

Exercise benefits cancer survivors by potentially improving insulin processing and strengthening the immune system. Medical experts emphasize that this low-cost, accessible intervention should become a standard part of post-cancer care for all patients, regardless of age, race, or socioeconomic status.

The study's results strongly support making exercise coaching a standard component of care for colon cancer survivors, with experts recommending insurance coverage for these programs. Regular screening remains crucial for early detection and prevention.

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