Exercise and diet in colorectal cancer prevention and therapy

Abstract

Colorectal carcinoma is a leading cause of cancer diseases in Europe. Due to modern therapies survival rate is increasing. Nevertheless, cancer and its treatment is associated with significant morbidity. Physical activity appears as having a positive impact on cancer risk, as well as, reducing peri- and postoperative morbidity and mortality. We searched pubmed and googlescholar for English- and German-language studies from inception to September 2022. The search terms physical activity, colon cancer, colorectal cancer, diet, survivors. prehabilitation, postoperative morbidity, quality of life and outcome were used. Guidelines of national advisory commmittees and Cochrane reviews were included. There is considerable evidence that physical activity is associated with reduced risk of colon cancer, epigenetic mechanisms play a central role in connection. Different studies showed a risk reduction of 12 to 27 percent. A prehabilitation programme consisting of exercise, nutritional intervention, and psychosocial rehabilitation can reduce peri- and postoperative complications. Aerobic exercise and strength training can improve survival rates and overall mortality. However, a causal relationship between nutritional treatment and cancer related symptoms (e.g. fatigue) is missing. There is a wide range of scientific papers on the influence of physical activity and nutrition; nevertheless, its influence on the various stages of colorectal disease are not addressed adequately. Recommendations concerning prehabilitation and tertiary prevention can only be given on the basis of heterogeneous trial data.