Overview

• Nearly 900 stage II and III colon cancer survivors were recruited across 55 centers in six countries for coach-led exercise versus standard care.
• The structured program included twice-monthly coaching sessions for six months followed by monthly follow-ups and optional additional support.
• Participants in the exercise group experienced a 28% lower risk of recurrence and a 37% lower risk of death over eight years of follow-up.
• Experts are now urging oncology teams to prescribe supervised exercise as part of post-treatment care and to pursue insurance reimbursement.
• Researchers say exercise may work by helping patients maintain healthy weight, regulate cancer-related hormones, and reduce inflammation.