Staying Active Reduces Risk Of Cancer Recurrence
- A large study has shown that a structured, supervised exercise program can reduce the risk of colon cancer coming back and help patients live longer.
- In the CHALLENGE trial, patients who followed a structured exercise program had a 28% lower risk of recurrence or developing a new cancer.
- After 8 years, 90.3% of patients in the exercise group were alive, compared to 83.2% in a control group. That’s a 37% lower risk of death in the exercise group.
- The exercise program involved sessions with a health coach, which sometimes involved supervised workouts, and setting a goal of about 2.5 hours of moderate aerobic exercise per week.
- Proof that patients can take some control over recovery is extremely welcome, especially at a time when colon cancer rates are rising in younger adults.
A large international study has shown that a structured, supervised exercise program can reduce the risk of cancer coming back and help patients live longer. For people with stage III and high-risk stage II colon cancer who have completed surgery and chemotherapy, regular aerobic exercise — like brisk walking — may be just as essential as any other part of their cancer treatment.
Read MoreThe CHALLENGE Trial: A First-of-Its-Kind Study
The study, known as the CHALLENGE trial, is the first randomized phase III clinical trial to prove that exercise can improve survival outcomes in colon cancer. Researchers followed 889 patients over nearly eight years. All had undergone surgery and chemotherapy for stage III or high-risk stage II colon cancer.Patients were split into two groups:
- Structured exercise program group (445 patients)
- Health education materials group (444 patients)
Both groups received the usual follow-up care for colon cancer, but only the first group worked directly with physical activity consultants over a three-year period.
What Did the Exercise Program Involve?
Each patient in the structured exercise group received personalized guidance from a physical activity consultant. This included:
- First 6 months: Two sessions per month for coaching and supervised workouts
- After 6 months: One session per month, with extra support if needed
- Goal: Add about 2.5 hours of moderate aerobic exercise per week
Patients could choose the type of exercise they preferred — most opted for walking, but others biked, jogged, swam, or even played pickleball. The idea was to integrate physical activity into daily life in a realistic, enjoyable way.
Key Findings: A Real Survival Advantage
At a median follow-up of 7.9 years, the results were clear: 80.3% of patients in the exercise group were alive and free of cancer at 5 years compared to 73.9% of patients in the health education group.
That’s a 28% lower risk of recurrence or new cancer in the exercise group.
After 8 years, 90.3% of patients in the exercise group were alive, compared to 83.2% in the health education group. That’s a 37% lower risk of death in the exercise group.
These benefits were specific to colon cancer outcomes — not just improvements in heart health or general wellness.
“The one thing they do note in the study is that people that were involved in the fitness regimen are more [likely] to have musculoskeletal injury. So that’s just a caveat to keep in mind,” Dr. Yeo explains. “But overall, I always tell my patients, I would rather they be active and exercise regularly as we know it’ll likely improve their chance of survival — and now we know their chance of disease free survival.”
What Does This Mean for Patients?
If you’ve been treated for stage III or high-risk stage II colon cancer, these results show that:
- Structured aerobic exercise — just 45 minutes, 4 times a week — can help prevent your cancer from coming back.
- This type of program can also reduce the chances of developing a new cancer.
- Most importantly, it can help you live longer.
This isn’t just about adding years to your life — it’s about improving your strength, mood, energy, and confidence during recovery.
Side Effects: Manageable and Mild
Like any treatment, exercise can come with side effects — though in this case, they were mostly minor and musculoskeletal (like strains or mild fractures).
In the exercise group, 18.5% of patients had musculoskeletal side effects compared to 11.5% in the health education group.
Only about 10% of side effects in the exercise group were directly linked to the exercise program.
Doctors emphasize that these risks are low and manageable, especially when exercise is introduced gradually and tailored to the individual.
Why Does Exercise Help?
While researchers are still investigating the exact reasons, exercise is known to:
- Reduce inflammation in the body
- Improve insulin sensitivity
- Boost the immune system
- Enhance overall physical function and energy
All of these may play a role in reducing the chances of cancer coming back.
What Should You Do Now?
If you or someone you love has completed treatment for colon cancer:
- Talk to your doctor about incorporating exercise into your recovery plan.
- Start small: Even short walks count, especially if you’re new to physical activity.
- Seek support: Working with a trainer, physical therapist, or coach can help you stay consistent.
Cancer survivors often feel like they’re left to navigate recovery on their own. But you don’t have to be. Structured exercise gives you a tangible, empowering way to take control of your health.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or years into survivorship, know this: there are steps you can take — literally — that can make a difference. And now, we have the proof.
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