Exercise & Colon Cancer Recurrence: New Study
- A new study reveals that a structured exercise program can significantly decrease the risk of colorectal cancer recurrence following surgery and chemotherapy.
- Pamela Kunz, a gastrointestinal cancer expert at Yale School of Medicine, stated that the study demonstrates post-treatment exercise is both achievable and effective in improving disease-free survival.
- The study, conducted by Queen’s University researchers in Canada, involved 889 participants from Canada and Australia.
A groundbreaking study confirms that a structured exercise program slashes the risk of colorectal cancer recurrence,offering a significant advantage post-surgery and chemotherapy. This compelling research underscores the power of incorporating regular physical activity,the primarykeyword,into your recovery plan. Researchers found those in an exercise program had a significantly reduced risk of their cancer returning, and saw a drop in the risk of mortality. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, further reveals positive impacts, like decreased risk of developing secondarykeyword, breast cancer. News Directory 3 provides up-to-the-minute coverage of critical health breakthroughs and offers expert-backed wellness insights. Discover what’s next in the fight against colorectal cancer.
Exercise Program Reduces Colorectal Cancer Recurrence Risk
Updated June 01, 2025
A new study reveals that a structured exercise program can significantly decrease the risk of colorectal cancer recurrence following surgery and chemotherapy. The research, presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting in Chicago and published in the New England Journal of medicine, highlights the potential of exercise as a powerful intervention.
Pamela Kunz, a gastrointestinal cancer expert at Yale School of Medicine, stated that the study demonstrates post-treatment exercise is both achievable and effective in improving disease-free survival. She emphasized that exercise should be implemented broadly as an intervention.
The study, conducted by Queen’s University researchers in Canada, involved 889 participants from Canada and Australia. Participants were divided into two groups: one receiving a structured exercise program with personalized coaching, and the other receiving educational materials about exercise benefits. All participants had stage 3 or high-risk stage 2 colon cancer and had undergone surgery and chemotherapy.
After nearly eight years of follow-up, the exercise program group experienced a 28% lower risk of cancer recurrence compared to the education materials group. Notably, the exercise group also showed lower rates of other cancers, such as breast cancer.
Christopher Booth, an oncologist and professor at Queen’s University, presented the study. He noted the exercise program resulted in a 37% reduction in the risk of death compared to the control group. After eight years,90% of the exercise program participants were alive,compared to 83% in the control group.
“For every 14 people, exercise prevented one person from dying,” Booth said.
Booth emphasized the importance of structured support, noting that simply recommending exercise is less effective then providing personalized coaching. The exercise program, costing $3,000 to $4,000 over three to four years, is remarkably affordable, he added.
Julie gralow, ASCO’s chief medical officer, suggested physicians can support patients by asking about their exercise habits during follow-ups and even joining them in activities. She noted that leading by example can motivate patients to incorporate exercise into their lives.
What’s next
Further research will explore the cost-effectiveness of structured exercise programs in cancer care and strategies for broader implementation within health systems.