Latest news with #ColorectalCancer
Associated Press
7 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
World-first clinical trial confirms exercise improves survival for colon cancer
A Canadian Cancer Society-funded trial reveals that guided exercise can save and prolong lives by reducing risk of cancer recurrence and second cancers TORONTO, June 1, 2025 /CNW/ - A groundbreaking clinical trial funded by the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) shows that physical activity can significantly improve outcomes for people with colon cancer. Researchers say the study is the first in the world to use structured exercise to increase cancer survival. The trial results, presented today at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual conference and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, have the potential to change clinical practice. They show that, when incorporated into cancer care for people with colon cancer, a structured exercise program reduces the risk of cancer recurrence and of new primary cancers developing. 'Our findings show that exercise is no longer just a quality-of-life intervention for cancer patients that can be offered when and where possible,' says study co-chair Dr Kerry Courneya, a professor of kinesiology at the University of Alberta and Canada Research Chair in Physical Activity and Cancer. 'It is a treatment for colon cancer that must be made available to all patients.' Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in Canada. Last year, an estimated 25,200 Canadians were diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 9,400 people died from it. To improve outcomes, a team led by Dr Courneya and Dr Chris Booth – study co-chair, medical oncologist at Kingston Health Sciences Centre and professor of oncology at Queen's University – has been working with the Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG) on this first-of-its kind trial. The 17-year international trial involved 889 people, all of whom had been diagnosed with and treated for colon cancer. After having surgery and chemotherapy, participants were given a 3-year structured exercise program or standard health education materials that are currently given to patients. Each participant in the exercise program chose their own forms of moderate-intensity exercise – from walking to pickleball – with the goal of adding 2.5 hours of exercise per week to their regular activity schedule. The outcome: those who received the exercise program had a 28% lower risk of recurrence and new cancers and a 37% lower risk of death. 'This is the first clinical trial in the world designed to answer whether exercise can improve cancer survival, and the results are clear,' says Dr Booth. 'The next step is to put this into practice. That means health systems will need to invest in behaviour support programs as part of standard care.' The researchers are currently conducting a comprehensive health economic analysis. According to Dr Booth, they anticipate that the program will be 'remarkably cost-effective compared to many new cancer drugs,' making it sustainable for health systems. Terri's story Terri Swain-Collins was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in 2021 after a screening test led to further investigation. Following treatment including surgery and chemotherapy, she was invited to join Dr Booth and Dr Courneya's clinical trial. During the trial, she worked closely with a physiotherapist to establish and maintain a fitness routine personalized to her needs. 'One of the biggest benefits was having a semi-structured routine that works for my lifestyle with someone to hold me accountable,' says Terri. 'Simply being told to exercise by a physician wouldn't have been enough to get me to where I am today; having someone walk alongside me, guide me and check in regularly was what truly made it possible.' Now, 3 years later, Terri continues to walk 3 times a week, feels fit and remains cancer-free. She says she is grateful for the impact of the program on her health and well-being. 'By bridging the gap between bold ideas and routine practice, clinical trials are essential to driving research progress that can benefit patients,' says Dr Stuart Edmonds, Executive Vice President, Mission, Research and Advocacy at CCS. 'The results of this trial have the potential to save and improve lives for the tens of thousands of people in Canada affected by colorectal cancer each year, and we are proud our donors enabled us to support it.' The international study co-chair was Dr Janette Vardy, from The University of Sydney (Australia) with funding from National Health and Medical Research Council. The UK team was led by Dr Victoria Coyle at Queen's University of Belfast, supported by Cancer Research UK. About the Canadian Cancer Society The Canadian Cancer Society works tirelessly to save and improve lives. We raise funds to fuel the brightest minds in cancer research. We provide a compassionate support system for all those affected by cancer, across Canada and for all types of cancer. Together with patients, supporters, donors and volunteers, we work to create a healthier future for everyone. Because to take on cancer, it takes all of us. It takes a society. Help us make a difference. Call 1-888-939-3333 or visit today. About the Canadian Cancer Trials Group The Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG) is a cancer clinical trials research cooperative that runs phase I–III trials to test anti-cancer and supportive therapies at over 85 hospitals and cancer centres across Canada. From their operations centre at Queen's University, CCTG has supported more than 600 trials enrolling 100,000 patients from 40 countries on 6 continents through a global network of 20,000 investigators and clinical trial staff. CCTG is the Canadian Coordinating Clinical Trial Network for the US NCTN and is a national program of the Canadian Cancer Society. CCTG's aim is to improve survival and quality of life for all people with cancer. Learn more at SOURCE Canadian Cancer Society (National Office)
Biz Bahrain
12-05-2025
- Health
- Biz Bahrain
RCSI Medical University of Bahrain Advocates for Increased Colorectal Cancer Awareness
The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – Medical University of Bahrain organised a public campaign to raise awareness about Colorectal – related to Colon and Rectum- Cancer (CRC) with the support of 150 medical and nursing students. Held in collaboration with the King Hamad University Hospital and the King Hamad American Mission Hospital, this campaign led by Professor Hussain Nasaif, Associate Professor in Nursing and Director of the MSc in Nursing Programme at RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, with the support of the Community Engagement Office, aimed at raising awareness about the early symptoms and risk factors of Colorectal Cancer. As part of this initiative, over 250 individuals who visited both hospitals over the course of four days were demonstrated how CRC develops within the colon by our student volunteers using an inflatable colon model as an effective educational tool. Colorectal – related to Colon and Rectum- Cancer (CRC) continues to pose a significant public health challenge in the Kingdom of Bahrain, with data highlighting the increase in new cases and the need for improved awareness, early detection and preventive measures. According to the latest statistics from the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Colorectal Cancer emerged in 2022 as the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men in the Kingdom of Bahrain, with an incidence rate of 14.8%. Among women, it is the second most common cancer, following breast cancer, with an incidence rate of 8.2%. When compared with figures from the wider West Asia region—9.7% among men and 8.7% among women—CRC appears more prevalent among Bahraini men, while the rate among women remains broadly similar. Negative lifestyle factors, including smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, a diet high in processed foods, fatty food, low fibre diet, and physical inactivity significantly contribute to the risk of developing Colorectal Cancer. Conversely, a balanced diet combined with regular physical activity can lower the risk and improve overall health outcomes. Common symptoms of CRC include blood in the stool, incomplete bowel emptying, lower abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, fatigue and anaemia. Individuals experiencing these symptoms are advised to consult their family doctor to review their personal and family medical history and explore available CRC screening options. Regular CRC screening is recommended from the age of 45 for both men and women. Early detection dramatically increases the likelihood of successful treatment and patients' survival rate. Professor Sameer Otoom, President of RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, commented: 'We are grateful to our partner hospitals for hosting and supporting our Colorectal Cancer awareness initiative. Our collaborative effort in engaging the public and extending the relevant healthcare services is critical in tackling this prevalent disease for the benefit of all people in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Such partnerships strengthen our mission to enhance community health through education, research, and service.' RCSI Medical University of Bahrain remains committed to empowering the public with the knowledge and resources necessary to reduce the impact of Colorectal Cancer, as well as other prevalent diseases and health conditions. By fostering a culture of education, early detection, and prevention, we continue to play an active role in supporting the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities across the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Zawya
11-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
RCSI Medical University of Bahrain advocates for increased colorectal cancer awareness
The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – Medical University of Bahrain organised a public campaign to raise awareness about Colorectal – related to Colon and Rectum- Cancer (CRC) with the support of 150 medical and nursing students. Held in collaboration with the King Hamad University Hospital and the King Hamad American Mission Hospital, this campaign led by Professor Hussain Nasaif, Associate Professor in Nursing and Director of the MSc in Nursing Programme at RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, with the support of the Community Engagement Office, aimed at raising awareness about the early symptoms and risk factors of Colorectal Cancer. As part of this initiative, over 250 individuals who visited both hospitals over the course of four days were demonstrated how CRC develops within the colon by our student volunteers using an inflatable colon model as an effective educational tool. Colorectal – related to Colon and Rectum- Cancer (CRC) continues to pose a significant public health challenge in the Kingdom of Bahrain, with data highlighting the increase in new cases and the need for improved awareness, early detection and preventive measures. According to the latest statistics from the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Colorectal Cancer emerged in 2022 as the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men in the Kingdom of Bahrain, with an incidence rate of 14.8%. Among women, it is the second most common cancer, following breast cancer, with an incidence rate of 8.2%. When compared with figures from the wider West Asia region—9.7% among men and 8.7% among women—CRC appears more prevalent among Bahraini men, while the rate among women remains broadly similar. Negative lifestyle factors, including smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, a diet high in processed foods, fatty food, low fibre diet, and physical inactivity significantly contribute to the risk of developing Colorectal Cancer. Conversely, a balanced diet combined with regular physical activity can lower the risk and improve overall health outcomes. Common symptoms of CRC include blood in the stool, incomplete bowel emptying, lower abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, fatigue and anaemia. Individuals experiencing these symptoms are advised to consult their family doctor to review their personal and family medical history and explore available CRC screening options. Regular CRC screening is recommended from the age of 45 for both men and women. Early detection dramatically increases the likelihood of successful treatment and patients' survival rate. Professor Sameer Otoom, President of RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, commented: 'We are grateful to our partner hospitals for hosting and supporting our Colorectal Cancer awareness initiative. Our collaborative effort in engaging the public and extending the relevant healthcare services is critical in tackling this prevalent disease for the benefit of all people in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Such partnerships strengthen our mission to enhance community health through education, research, and service.' RCSI Medical University of Bahrain remains committed to empowering the public with the knowledge and resources necessary to reduce the impact of Colorectal Cancer, as well as other prevalent diseases and health conditions. By fostering a culture of education, early detection, and prevention, we continue to play an active role in supporting the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities across the Kingdom of Bahrain. About RCSI Medical University of Bahrain RCSI Medical University of Bahrain is a constituent university of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), which was established in Dublin, Ireland, in 1784. RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, an independent private university, opened its doors to a cohort of 28 medical students in 2004. Today, the purpose-built campus is home to a student body of more than 1,600 across the Schools of Medicine; Nursing and Midwifery and Postgraduate Studies and Research. It is a not-for-profit health sciences institution focused on education and research to drive positive change in all areas of human health worldwide.
