Two new studies, conducted independently in Europe and the US, show cancer and heavy chemotherapy survivors benefit from staying physically active and walking more..

The first study, sponsored by Dr. Floortje Mols of Tilburg University in the Netherlands, found that in people who survived colon cancer, just 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise per week could improve well-being and reduce symptoms of peripheral neuropathy caused by.

In the second study, which was conducted by Dr. Phillips (Phillips) from Northwestern University in Chicago (USA), scientists got even more interesting results..

It turned out that in patients who had prostate cancer, 3 hours of slow or 1.5 hours of fast walking per week lead to improved hormonal status and quality of life..

The results of both studies were published in the Journal of Cancer Survivorship: Research and Practice..

Walking is good, brisk walking is better.

Dr. Phillips and colleagues studied the impact of walking and other forms of physical activity on the quality of life of men who survived prostate cancer.. Their study showed that just 3 hours of brisk walking per week can improve the condition of such people, and brisk (sports) walking is twice as effective..

“We wanted to determine what activity is best for them, because the number of people who survived prostate cancer is constantly growing, and our knowledge of their future prospects is insufficient.. As a result of significant improvements in cancer diagnosis and treatment, survival rates have increased, but many treatments have serious side effects,” Phillips explained in an interview with the online publication Medscape Medical News..

“Physical activity helps fight some of the side effects of chemo and improves the quality of life for patients, but people always ask the same question: how much do I need to exercise to feel better.? And we just don’t know the answer to this question,” the researcher continues..

Dr. Phillips' group analyzed the histories of 1,917 patients who had experienced prostate cancer before 2008.. They were all physicians who participated in the national Health Professionals Follow-up Study, which began in 1986..

After introducing the most important factors into the analysis, the researchers concluded that the more patients walk, the higher their quality of life and the less often they complain of weakness, depression and weight gain.. Participants who did more than 90 minutes of brisk walking per week performed even better than those who simply walked..

However, physical activity did not affect problems with urination, defecation, and sexual function..

“Even low-intensity physical activity, such as gardening, is associated with improved hormonal levels and quality of life.. Such patients are less likely to complain of fatigue, depression, weight gain. Therefore, we can safely recommend that our patients walk at least a little at a speed of 2-3 miles per hour - this is the minimum that will make them feel better.. But ideally, we should strive to ensure that our patients do 3-5 hours a week of moderate physical activity,” Dr. Phillips advises colleagues..

Keep moving.

Let's turn to the data of a European study conducted by Dr. Mols from the Netherlands. She and her colleagues analyzed the histories of 1,648 patients who had colorectal cancer between 2000 and 2009.. Of these, 506 people (31%) received chemotherapy.

“Chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a serious cause for concern.. Especially now that the range of drugs that can cause CIPN has expanded significantly,” the researchers write..

All study participants completed the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire, which is designed to assess health-related quality of life, as well as the EORTC QLQ-CIPN20 peripheral neuropathy specific questionnaire, which indicates sensory, motor, autonomic symptoms..

The EPIC (European Prospective Investigation Into Cancer) questionnaire was used to assess physical activity.. Participants reported how many hours per week and per day, how often they engage in certain types of physical activity (walking, cycling, gardening, cleaning the house, sports).

Scientists have concluded that patients who do not comply with national recommendations for physical activity are more likely than others to complain of symptoms of peripheral neuropathy after cancer chemotherapy.. Just 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week (most days of the week) significantly improves the condition of patients and improves quality of life.

150 minutes per week is associated with better cognitive, emotional, social, and general health outcomes; decreases the number of complaints of nausea, vomiting, pain, shortness of breath, insomnia, loss of appetite, constipation, diarrhea.

Researchers are pleased to note that in the Netherlands, 90% of colorectal cancer survivors meet the national physical activity guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week..

“I would like to remind you that regular exercise plays an important role in the prevention of colorectal cancer, as well as in the treatment and rehabilitation. Our patients who have experienced this life-changing illness are fully aware of the importance of physical activity,” writes Dr. Mols in his article..

medbe. en.