New study into exercise's link to cancer recovery

A new study is looking to determine whether exercise can help tackle cancer.

Cancer patients being treated by the Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust are taking part in a clinical trial prescribing moderate to intense exercise to help tackle tumours.

The study aims to prove that exercise during chemotherapy and before surgery may help to reduce the size of cancerous tumours and improve outcomes for patients.

Mike Milton, a patient taking part in the study, said: "Cancer takes away a lot of things and you can feel a little bit like a enger. It can be quite a dark time and this gives you something to focus on that you can control."

As part of the trial, oesophageal cancer patients are given a moderate to intense exercise programme including cycling and strength training.

Authors of the initial study, in partnership with the University of Surrey, say that following the programme some tumours have been "undetectable" during surgery.

So far 22 people have taken part in the trial, with 11 given a 16-week exercise programme while the others were not.

Researchers say the exercise programme, known as "prehabilitation", can lead to fewer complications during chemotherapy and surgery through better cardiovascular health and muscular strength.

Dr David Bartlett, co-first author of the study, said: "If you have been diagnosed with oesophageal cancer this is the time we can give you some sort of ownership over your journey."

Researchers are now looking to invite more cancer patients to be involved in a wider study to understand whether the earlier results can help to improve treatment on a larger scale.

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