A simple step that changes the odds for colon cancer survivors
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For those who’ve been through the grueling rounds of surgery and chemotherapy, the path to recovery often feels uncertain.
One lingering question haunts many survivors: Is there anything else I can do to keep this from coming back? A new study suggests there may be an answer—one that doesn’t come in a pill bottle.
It’s not a new therapy or another round of tests, it’s something far more familiar—movement. And it may work just as well as some medications in lowering the risk of colon cancer recurrence, according to one of the most extensive trials of its kind.
The findings come from an international Phase 3 trial, recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine and unveiled at a major oncology conference. Nearly 900 patients recovering from treatment for Stage 3 or high-risk Stage 2 colon cancer were enrolled.
Participants were split into two groups. One was given a general guide about healthy living. The other took part in a structured exercise program—with results that stunned even seasoned experts.
The goal was to gradually build up to 10 MET hours of activity per week. That’s roughly the equivalent of a brisk 45-minute walk done four times a week.
The exercise group wasn’t left to figure it out alone. They had regular support from coaches—whether physical therapists, personal trainers, or kinesiologists—who helped tailor and supervise routines over a three-year period.
Over eight years of follow-up, the benefits became clear.
Ninety percent of those who exercised had no cancer recurrence or new diagnosis. That compared to just 83% in the group that didn’t follow the structured program.
And when it came to survival, the difference widened further. Forty-one people in the exercise group died within the eight-year span. In the control group, the number was 66. That’s not just a small difference—it’s the kind of outcome oncologists typically hope to see from new drug therapies.
There’s no one simple explanation for why physical activity leads to such improvements, but scientists have some theories.
Exercise helps regulate insulin and blood sugar, both of which can influence cancer cell behavior. It also improves body composition and lowers inflammation—factors that might create a less welcoming environment for tumors to grow.
“There are potential hypotheses related to exercise’s effect on insulin, body composition and basal metabolic rate, all which can have anti-tumor effects,” explained Dr. Jeffrey Meyerhardt of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
While researchers continue exploring the biology, one thing is clear: people who move more after cancer treatment do better.
Also read: 44-year-old shares 5 subtle signs of colon cancer you might be ignoring right now
The standout finding wasn’t just the activity itself—it was the structured support. The researchers emphasized that simply telling someone to exercise rarely leads to lasting change.
Participants met with their coaches every two weeks during the first year. In years two and three, those meetings shifted to once a month. The plans weren’t rigid—they were built around what each person enjoyed and could stick with.
“What it translated to for most people is going on a brisk walk 45 minutes a day, four days per week,” said Dr. Christopher Booth, lead author of the study.
For those without access to coaching, these findings raise important questions about insurance coverage and support programs. Many people recovering from cancer may not have access to fitness coaches or specialized programs. That’s a gap the researchers say needs attention.
“We really need [insurers] to cover this,” Booth added. The benefits, he argued, are equivalent to treatments that are already widely funded. Still, even without a coach, any increase in activity could help. Just one to two hours more of brisk walking each week made a measurable difference for those in the trial.
Exercise isn’t a cure-all. It’s not meant to replace surgery or chemotherapy. But as Dr. Nancy You of MD Anderson Cancer Center put it, “There is almost no downside to exercise. It should be a part of the standard treatment for colon cancer.”
Also read: Could this 20-cent pill become the next big breakthrough in colon cancer treatment? Researchers say the early signs are promising
Her point echoes what many survivors feel—that after all the medical treatments end, they want something they can do on their own to take control of their future.
This study offers that answer. And it’s not just hopeful—it’s backed by real numbers.
If you or someone you care about is recovering from colon cancer, here’s what the researchers suggest:
What helped you most after treatment? Have you tried using exercise as a part of recovery? What would’ve made it easier for you to get moving again? Drop your thoughts in the comments—we know firsthand that the GrayVine community is filled with wisdom, support, and encouragement.
One lingering question haunts many survivors: Is there anything else I can do to keep this from coming back? A new study suggests there may be an answer—one that doesn’t come in a pill bottle.
It’s not a new therapy or another round of tests, it’s something far more familiar—movement. And it may work just as well as some medications in lowering the risk of colon cancer recurrence, according to one of the most extensive trials of its kind.
The findings come from an international Phase 3 trial, recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine and unveiled at a major oncology conference. Nearly 900 patients recovering from treatment for Stage 3 or high-risk Stage 2 colon cancer were enrolled.
Participants were split into two groups. One was given a general guide about healthy living. The other took part in a structured exercise program—with results that stunned even seasoned experts.
The goal was to gradually build up to 10 MET hours of activity per week. That’s roughly the equivalent of a brisk 45-minute walk done four times a week.
The exercise group wasn’t left to figure it out alone. They had regular support from coaches—whether physical therapists, personal trainers, or kinesiologists—who helped tailor and supervise routines over a three-year period.
Over eight years of follow-up, the benefits became clear.
Ninety percent of those who exercised had no cancer recurrence or new diagnosis. That compared to just 83% in the group that didn’t follow the structured program.
A new study suggests there may be an answer in helping colon survivors—one that doesn’t come in a pill bottle. Image Source: Lucas van Oort / Unsplash
And when it came to survival, the difference widened further. Forty-one people in the exercise group died within the eight-year span. In the control group, the number was 66. That’s not just a small difference—it’s the kind of outcome oncologists typically hope to see from new drug therapies.
There’s no one simple explanation for why physical activity leads to such improvements, but scientists have some theories.
Exercise helps regulate insulin and blood sugar, both of which can influence cancer cell behavior. It also improves body composition and lowers inflammation—factors that might create a less welcoming environment for tumors to grow.
“There are potential hypotheses related to exercise’s effect on insulin, body composition and basal metabolic rate, all which can have anti-tumor effects,” explained Dr. Jeffrey Meyerhardt of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
While researchers continue exploring the biology, one thing is clear: people who move more after cancer treatment do better.
Also read: 44-year-old shares 5 subtle signs of colon cancer you might be ignoring right now
The standout finding wasn’t just the activity itself—it was the structured support. The researchers emphasized that simply telling someone to exercise rarely leads to lasting change.
Participants met with their coaches every two weeks during the first year. In years two and three, those meetings shifted to once a month. The plans weren’t rigid—they were built around what each person enjoyed and could stick with.
“What it translated to for most people is going on a brisk walk 45 minutes a day, four days per week,” said Dr. Christopher Booth, lead author of the study.
For those without access to coaching, these findings raise important questions about insurance coverage and support programs. Many people recovering from cancer may not have access to fitness coaches or specialized programs. That’s a gap the researchers say needs attention.
“We really need [insurers] to cover this,” Booth added. The benefits, he argued, are equivalent to treatments that are already widely funded. Still, even without a coach, any increase in activity could help. Just one to two hours more of brisk walking each week made a measurable difference for those in the trial.
Exercise isn’t a cure-all. It’s not meant to replace surgery or chemotherapy. But as Dr. Nancy You of MD Anderson Cancer Center put it, “There is almost no downside to exercise. It should be a part of the standard treatment for colon cancer.”
Also read: Could this 20-cent pill become the next big breakthrough in colon cancer treatment? Researchers say the early signs are promising
Her point echoes what many survivors feel—that after all the medical treatments end, they want something they can do on their own to take control of their future.
This study offers that answer. And it’s not just hopeful—it’s backed by real numbers.
If you or someone you care about is recovering from colon cancer, here’s what the researchers suggest:
- Start slow: If brisk walks sound too daunting, begin with short strolls or gentle stretches.
- Seek support: Talk to your doctor about exercise programs for cancer survivors. Some hospitals now offer coaching as part of post-treatment care.
- Stay consistent: The biggest gains came from regular weekly activity. Make it a habit, even if you’re starting small.
- Track your progress: Celebrate each week you stick with it. Small steps add up—literally and figuratively.
