Diet and exercise to boost cancer survival rates

The world’s largest cancer conference has heard how maintaining a healthy diet and undertaking regular exercise is linked to better outcomes for cancer patients.

Presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in Chicago, the researchers argue that an exercise program after treatment ‘has clear potential to influence survival’.

A study of nearly 1,000 colon cancer patients found that those who exercised regularly, ate more fruits and vegetables and avoided refined grains and meats had a 42 per cent lower chance of death after seven years, while a study of more than 300 Australian breast cancer survivors who aimed to exercise for three hours per week had far better rates of survival than those who were not part of an exercise program.

Conceding that the mechanisms through which exercise may influence cancer survival currently remain ‘unclear’, in general, the scientists and medical professionals maintain that studies conducted on the relationship between exercise and other types of cancer held up a general set of findings.

Erin Van Blarigan, senior author, said: “I would recommend that patients build up to exercising for at least 150 minutes per week. Brisk walking is a great exercise for everyone. I would also recommend that patients aim to eat at least five servings of vegetables every day, not counting potatoes, and choose whole grains over refined grains.

“These recommendations can be applied within whatever diet type an individual prefers. The key is finding foods that fit the recommendations that you enjoy, so you can continue this pattern of eating for the long term.”