The exercise group, guided by coaches, chose moderate activities like walking or pickleball with a goal of 2.5 hours per week. After eight years, they had a 28% lower chance of cancer recurrence and a 37% higher survival rate.
An international study has found that structured exercise significantly lowers colon cancer recurrence and improves survival.
The research, involving 889 patients post-surgery and chemotherapy, divided participants into two groups—one receiving exercise coaching and the other health education materials.
The exercise group, guided by coaches, chose moderate activities like walking or pickleball with a goal of 2.5 hours per week. After eight years, they had a 28% lower chance of cancer recurrence and a 37% higher survival rate.
“Our findings show that exercise is no longer just a quality-of-life intervention… it is a treatment for colon cancer,” said Dr. Kerry Courneya, study co-chair.
Terri Swain-Collins, a participant, said, “Having someone walk alongside me, guide me and check in regularly was what truly made it possible.”
Dr. Chris Booth, another co-chair, called on health systems to include behavioral support as standard care, noting the approach is “remarkably cost-effective.”
Published in The New England Journal of Medicine, the study was presented at the ASCO meeting and funded by the Canadian Cancer Society.