A groundbreaking international trial has found that a three-year exercise program not only enhanced survival rates among colon cancer patients but also helped in keeping the disease from recurring.
Presented at a major cancer research conference in Chicago, this first-of-its-kind study revealed that the benefits of regular physical activity could rival those of certain medications, prompting experts to advocate for exercise coaching as a standard part of care for colon cancer survivors, both in cancer centers and insurance plans.
Patients now have an encouraging option to boost their physical activity post-treatment, as findings suggest their efforts can contribute positively to preventing cancer recurrence.
Dr. Jeffrey Meyerhardt of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, who was not directly involved in the research, expressed excitement over the study’s implications.
He noted that it marks the first randomized controlled trial conclusively linking exercise to reduced cancer recurrences and improved survival rates, setting it apart from previous studies that only compared active and sedentary individuals.
The extensive research was conducted across multiple countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Israel.
The study involved 889 participants with treatable colon cancer who had completed chemotherapy. Participants were randomly assigned to either an exercise program or a control group that received an educational booklet about fitness and nutrition.
The exercise group engaged with coaches who supported and motivated them through their fitness journeys, meeting bi-weekly for the first year and then monthly for the following two years.
For instance, many participants, including Terri Swain-Collins from Kingston, Ontario, opted to walk around 45 minutes several times a week, highlighting the personal agency they felt through the program.
Swain-Collins emphasized the motivational factor of accountability provided by her coach, stating, “I wouldn’t want to go there and say, ‘I didn’t do anything.’ So I was always doing stuff and making sure I got it done.”
After eight years of monitoring, those who participated in the structured exercise program became significantly more active than those in the control group. Remarkably, they exhibited a 28% lower rate of cancer recurrence and a 37% lower risk of death from any cause.
Although the exercise group did face more muscle strains and similar issues, the overall benefits were profound. Dr. Christopher Booth, a co-author of the study, described the findings as astonishing, suggesting that exercise programs, which could be offered for a relatively low cost per patient, represent a feasible intervention that improves not only health outcomes but also quality of life.
Looking ahead, the research team has collected blood samples from participants and plans to investigate the underlying biological mechanisms that link exercise with cancer prevention. Potential explanations might involve improved insulin processing, enhanced immune system function, or other factors.
Despite the conclusion of her coaching program, Swain-Collins continues to maintain her exercise regime, enjoying walks in nature accompanied by music.
Kerry Courneya, a co-author and researcher specializing in exercise and cancer at the University of Alberta, explained that fostering lasting behavioral changes is possible when individuals recognize the benefits, find enjoyment in physical activity, and establish social connections.
Courneya stated, “Now, we can say definitively that exercise causes improvements in survival,” reinforcing the importance of exercise in the recovery and wellness journey for cancer patients.
The results of this comprehensive study could revolutionize the approach to post-cancer care, encouraging patients to remain active and invested in their health as they move forward.
image source from：https://chicago.suntimes.com/health/2025/06/02/exercise-boosts-survival-rates-in-colon-cancer-patients-study-shows
