Exercise Boosts Survival in Colon Cancer Patients
A groundbreaking international study has delivered compelling evidence that structured exercise significantly enhances survival for patients with high-risk stage II or III colon cancer. Findings from the Challenge Trial, unveiled at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting, demonstrate that engaging in a tailored exercise program after adjuvant chemotherapy leads to a remarkable 37% lower risk of death.
"Patients frequently ask what else they can do to improve their outcome after surgery and chemotherapy," stated Dr. Christopher Booth, a medical oncologist from Queen’s University and the lead study author. "These results now provide a clear answer: a structured exercise program, ideally with a personal trainer, will reduce the risk of cancer recurrence, improve well-being, and extend life."
The Challenge Trial enrolled 889 participants across six countries. Patients randomized to the structured exercise arm received personalized plans from qualified trainers, often incorporating activities like walking. Adherence to these programs was notably high, leading to measurable improvements in participants' fitness levels and overall physical function.
The clinical benefits were profound. The exercise group experienced a 28% reduction in the risk of recurrent or new cancer, with a five-year disease-free survival rate of 80% compared to 74% in the control group. Even more significantly, there was a 37% reduction in the risk of death, pushing the eight-year overall survival rate to 90% versus 83%. This impressive survival advantage was directly attributed to a decreased risk of death from colon cancer itself, not other causes.
Dr. Booth declared that these findings establish a "new standard of care for colon cancer," noting that the "magnitude of benefit is substantial" and comparable to many established oncology treatments. Dr. Pamela Kunz, an ASCO expert from Yale School of Medicine, underscored the intervention's efficacy, calling exercise a "no-brainer" that should be broadly implemented. This study not only highlights the potent anti-cancer effects of exercise but also emphasizes the critical need for healthcare systems to invest in accessible support programs that empower patients to integrate physical activity into their recovery.
Source: Clinical Oncology News