36. Cancer Treatment: Include Exercise to Improve Survival

What if a free, side-effect-free therapy could significantly improve your cancer survival— and even help prevent recurrence? In this episode, we explore the powerful, research-backed role of exercise in cancer prevention and treatment, centered around the recent CHALLENGE trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Here is the link to that study: https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa2502760 Dr. Hassell shares groundbreaking findings showing that moderate, consistent exercise significantly reduces cancer recurrence and mortality — particularly in colon cancer survivors — when added to conventional treatments. More than just prevention, movement is positioned as a critical treatment tool that enhances immunity, reduces inflammation, balances hormones, and even boosts mental health. Key Takeaways: Exercise led to a 37% lower risk of death in colon cancer patients (CHALLENGE trial). Benefits appear as early as 1 year into a structured program (as little as brisk walking!). Sedentary lifestyles are now considered nearly as dangerous as smoking. Even 1-minute workouts a few times a day can start improving immune function. The "number needed to treat" for exercise is dramatically better than many standard medical therapies. Physical activity also reduces risk of diabetes, heart disease, depression, frailty, and more. Social, playful exercise (like frisbee or ping pong) boosts both body and mind — and reduces loneliness. Watch now to discover how just a few minutes of movement a day could change — or even save — your life. #CancerTreatment #ExerciseAndCancer #PreventativeHealth #ChallengeTrial #LifestyleMedicine #WalkDontRunPodcast #MentalHealth #ChronicDiseasePrevention More references can be found at www.GreatMed.org Would you like Dr. Hassell to answer your question on the air?  Contact us! Phone/text: 503-773-0770 e-mail: [email protected] Write us a letter.  We love to hear from you.  This podcast is sponsored by our generous listeners.  Send questions, comments, and support to: 4804 NW Bethany Blvd., Suite I-2, #273 Portland OR 97229