New York, Feb. 24 -- Higher levels of physical activity may not only prevent the risk of cancers but also boost survival rates in people who have undergone treatment. Researchers from the Louisiana State University in the US focussed on long-term survival rates in colon cancer survivors. Individuals with colon cancer face higher rates of premature mortality than people in the general population. To assess whether exercise might reduce this disparity, the team analysed data from two posttreatment trials in patients with stage 3 colon cancer.

A total of 2,875 patients self-reported physical activity after cancer surgery and chemotherapy. For all participants, physical activity was based on metabolic equivalent (MET) hours per week. (Health...