Roundup: Regular Exercise Lowers Risk of Cancer Recurrence, Death; and More News

Regular Exercise Boosts Survival After Colon Cancer Treatment, Landmark Study Finds

A major international study has found that regular, structured exercise can significantly improve outcomes for colon cancer survivors.

The results, released Sunday at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting in Chicago and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, offer strong evidence that physical activity plays a key role in cancer recovery and long-term survival.

Previous studies had suggested a link between exercise and better cancer outcomes, but until now, there was no definitive large-scale trial to prove it, the researchers said.

The clinical trial, known as the CHALLENGE study, followed 889 colon cancer survivors over a median of nearly eight years. All participants had completed chemotherapy after surgery for stage II or III colon cancer. They were then randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group participated in a structured exercise program, while the other received general health education materials without a prescribed fitness routine.

The results were striking. After five years, 80.3 percent of participants in the exercise group were alive and free of cancer recurrence, compared to 73.9 percent in the health-education group. This 6.4 percent difference represents a meaningful improvement in disease-free survival.

Even more compelling, after eight years, overall survival—meaning participants were still alive regardless of the cause—was also higher in the exercise group. Their survival rate was 90.3 percent, compared to 83.2 percent in the health-education group.

The Role of Exercise

The structured program involved moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking or cycling, performed several times per week. Participants were guided and monitored throughout the three-year program, helping them maintain a consistent routine.

Researchers believe that regular exercise may help reduce inflammation, improve immune function, and enhance overall physical health—all of which can contribute to better cancer outcomes.

The study’s authors emphasize that the findings provide “level 1 evidence”— the highest standard in medical research — that exercise directly contributes to longer survival and fewer cancer recurrences in colon cancer survivors.

Benefits and Risks

While the benefits were clear, the study also noted a slightly higher rate of musculoskeletal side effects — such as joint or muscle pain — in the exercise group. These occurred in 18.5 percent of exercising participants compared to 11.5 percent in the group that did not follow a fitness program. However, the researchers considered these side effects manageable and outweighed by the overall benefits.

The CHALLENGE trial, conducted at 55 centers across Canada, Australia, and the U.K., offers the strongest evidence to date that physical activity can be a vital part of cancer aftercare.

It also helps address a crucial question for survivors: “What can I do to improve my chances of staying cancer-free?” According to this study, incorporating regular exercise into daily life may be one of the most effective steps.

What It Means for Patients

Cancer survivors often ask about lifestyle changes they can make after treatment. This study provides clear guidance: staying active could not only improve quality of life but also significantly increase the chances of long-term survival.

It is important, however, to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise routine, especially after major medical treatments like chemotherapy and surgery. A personalized plan that accounts for individual health status and fitness level is key.

The CHALLENGE study was funded by prominent research organizations, including the Canadian Cancer Society and academic groups in Australia and the United Kingdom. Its findings are expected to influence future cancer care guidelines and encourage healthcare providers to more actively promote exercise in survivorship plans.

Explore screening programs and other services at Baptist Health Cancer Care.

Vitamin D Supplements May Help Slow Cellular Aging, New Study Finds

A new clinical trial has found that vitamin D supplementation may help protect against the shortening of telomeres — structures at the end of chromosomes that naturally shorten as people age and are linked to increased disease risk.

The study, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, provides new insights into the potential role of vitamin D in slowing down biological aging processes. While the findings are encouraging, health experts advise caution before adding vitamin D supplements to a daily routine solely for anti-aging purposes. Too much vitamin D can cause adverse health effects, including kidney issues and high calcium levels.

Telomeres are repetitive DNA sequences located at the ends of chromosomes. They function like protective caps, maintaining the integrity of genetic material during cell division. Over time, telomeres naturally shorten, which is considered a hallmark of cellular aging. Excessive or accelerated telomere shortening has been associated with higher risks of chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune disorders.

This new research stems from the VITAL (VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL), a large-scale, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that explored the effects of vitamin D3 (2,000 IU per day) and omega-3 fatty acids (1 gram per day) in adults across the United States. Participants included men aged 50 and older and women aged 55 and older.

A subset of 1,054 participants enrolled in a telomere-focused sub-study. Their telomere length was measured at the beginning of the trial and then reassessed two and four years later. The researchers aimed to determine whether these common supplements had any impact on telomere preservation over time.

Key Findings: Vitamin D Slows Telomere Shortening

Participants who received vitamin D3 supplements experienced significantly less telomere shortening compared to those who received a placebo. Over the four-year period, the difference was equivalent to slowing the biological aging process by nearly three years. This protective effect was not observed in the group that received omega-3 fatty acid supplements.

“VITAL is the first large-scale and long-term randomized trial to show that vitamin D supplements protect telomeres and preserve telomere length,” said Dr. JoAnn Manson, co-author of the study and principal investigator of VITAL. Dr. Manson is also the chief of the Division of Preventive Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and a professor at Harvard Medical School.

She added, “This is of particular interest because VITAL had also shown benefits of vitamin D in reducing inflammation and lowering risks of selected chronic diseases of aging, such as advanced cancer and autoimmune disease.”

Omega-3s Showed No Impact on Telomeres

In contrast to vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids did not demonstrate a measurable effect on telomere length during the study period. This finding is important, as prior small-scale studies had yielded mixed results about whether omega-3s offered similar anti-aging benefits.

Dr. Haidong Zhu, the lead author and a molecular geneticist at the Medical College of Georgia, commented on the broader implications: “Our findings suggest that targeted vitamin D supplementation may be a promising strategy to counter a biological aging process, although further research is warranted.”

Proceed with Caution: Consult Your Doctor First

It is essential to speak with a healthcare provider to determine your current vitamin D status and whether supplementation is appropriate. A blood test can help assess whether your levels are within a healthy range.

Nutrition Still Matters to Maximize Benefits of GLP-1 (Weight-Loss) Meds for Obesity

As GLP-1 medications grow in popularity for managing obesity, leading experts are emphasizing an essential message: these powerful drugs work best when combined with proper nutrition and lifestyle changes.

A new clinical advisory from four medical organizations offers clear guidance to support patients using these medications for weight loss.

The advisory, titled “Nutritional Priorities to Support GLP-1 Therapy for Obesity,” is a collaborative effort by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and The Obesity Society. It was published in four medical journals to help health professionals offer well-rounded, evidence-based care to their patients.

GLP-1 receptor agonists, a class of medications that includes drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide, have shown significant promise in clinical trials. On average, patients lose between 5 percent and 18 percent of their body weight—often accompanied by improvements in heart health, metabolism, and physical function. But while these results are encouraging, they don’t tell the whole story.

“GLP-1s represent an important advancement in obesity care,” said lead author Dariush Mozaffarian, M.D., of Tufts University, in a news release. “But these medications can present challenges, including gastrointestinal side effects, risk of micronutrient deficiencies, muscle and bone loss, poor long-term adherence with subsequent weight regain, and high costs; and, on their own, are not enough. Nutrition therapy and lifestyle support are essential components to address these challenges, help patients maximize and maintain health gains over time, and ensure we are using these drugs wisely, effectively, and without bankrupting the healthcare system.”

To help patients and providers get the most out of GLP-1 therapy, the advisory highlights eight key nutritional and lifestyle priorities:

1. Start with the patient – Personalized care begins with understanding the patient’s goals and readiness.
2. Baseline nutrition assessment – A thorough evaluation of dietary habits helps identify areas for improvement early on.
3. Manage GI side effects – Common digestive issues can often be eased through tailored food choices and eating habits.
4. Focus on whole, nutrient-rich foods – Minimally processed meals rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber are ideal.
5. Prevent deficiencies – Because GLP-1s may reduce appetite, patients need to make every bite count to avoid missing essential nutrients.
6. Prioritize protein and strength training – Maintaining muscle mass is critical during weight loss, especially when appetite is reduced.
7. Use diet to boost weight loss – A healthy eating plan can enhance the medication’s weight-reducing effects.
8. Promote a full lifestyle approach – Physical activity, sleep quality, stress management, and social support all play vital roles in long-term success.

These recommendations are supported by growing research. Studies have shown that combining medication with structured nutrition counseling leads to better weight loss results, higher treatment adherence, and a greater likelihood of maintaining progress after stopping the medication.

Despite this, many people prescribed GLP-1 drugs currently receive little or no guidance on diet and behavior. The new advisory aims to change that by offering clear, practical steps clinicians can take to provide more holistic care.