Structured, long-term exercise program reduces the risk of colon cancer recurrence or death by 28% and improves physical functioning. Digest
Exercise may be one of the most effective—and underused—tools in cancer care. However, a recent study found that a structured, long-term exercise program reduced the risk of cancer recurrence or death by 28% in people treated for colon cancer.
The study included 889 people with stage II or III colon cancer who had completed chemotherapy. Researchers assigned half to a three-year supervised exercise program that included moderate-intensity aerobic activity and strength training. The other half received health-education materials but no structured physical activity plan. Throughout the study, participants completed surveys about their activity levels and underwent fitness assessments, treadmill tests, and body measurements. The researchers monitored the patients for nearly eight years to track cancer recurrence and overall survival.
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The benefits of exercise were substantial. Five years after treatment, 80% of the exercise group remained cancer-free, compared to 74% in the education group. After eight years, 90% of those who exercised were still alive, versus 83% of the education group. Patients in the exercise group also reported better physical functioning throughout the study. However, musculoskeletal complaints—like joint or muscle pain—were more common in the exercise group (19%) than in the education group (12%).
These findings suggest that a structured, long-term exercise program can help colon cancer survivors live longer and stay cancer-free. Participants also reported sustained improvements in physical functioning, further supporting the role of exercise in post-treatment recovery, despite a modest increase in musculoskeletal complaints. Learn more about the science of exercise for cancer in this episode featuring Dr. Kerry Courneya.