Long-Term Exercise Coaching Linked to Increased Survival in Colon Cancer Patients
A new international trial found that colon cancer patients who received long-term exercise coaching were more likely to be alive eight years after treatment.
An international trial published in 2025 revealed that individuals treated for colon cancer had a higher likelihood of survival eight years later if they had received long-term exercise coaching. This finding has intensified discussions about the role of exercise in cancer treatment and how it can be integrated into routine care.
While experts caution that the benefits of exercise may not apply to every cancer or every patient, the findings underscore the importance of physical activity. In the US, starting in 2027, breast cancer centers will be required to screen patients' physical function and recommend exercise or physical therapy when needed.
Highlights
- The CHALLENGE international trial found that long-term exercise coaching increased survival rates for colon cancer patients.
- Patients in the exercise group were less likely to experience cancer recurrence, develop a new cancer, or die.
- Eight years later, approximately 90 out of every 100 people in the exercise group were alive, compared to 83 out of every 100 in the health education group.
- Experts emphasize that exercise programs should be individualized and focus on helping patients develop sustainable habits in their own environments.
- Only one in ten cancer patients are referred to exercise services, yet nearly three out of four believe their oncologist should raise the subject.
Details
The CHALLENGE trial, led by the Canadian Cancer Trials Group, began enrolling patients in 2009 and published its results in 2025. The trial included 889 participants from six countries, predominantly Canada and Australia. All participants had completed surgery and chemotherapy for stage 2 or 3 colon cancer that had not spread to distant organs.
Half of the patients received only health education materials on exercise and healthy eating, while the other half met with a physical activity consultant for three years. The target for the exercise group was equivalent to adding 45 to 60 minutes of brisk walking, three to four times a week. This group achieved sustained increases in their physical activity levels.
In cancer research, 'living longer' typically refers to a larger proportion of people still being alive at a given point, rather than promising a specific number of extra years. This study showed that 7% more people in the guided exercise group were alive, indicating that exercise can be a significant adjunct to cancer treatment.
Why it matters
This research supports the growing body of evidence that exercise should be considered an integral part of cancer treatment. The findings provide guidance for doctors on how to integrate exercise into routine care for cancer patients. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of tailoring exercise programs to individual needs and helping patients develop sustainable habits in their own environments. This has the potential to improve both the quality and length of life for cancer patients.