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Structured exercise rivals drug efficacy in slashing colon cancer recurrence and mortality

Survivors in a three-year, coach-led exercise arm experienced a 28% drop in recurrence and 37% fewer deaths, spurring experts to call for funded exercise integration in cancer care.

Terri Swain-Collins and Alison MacDonald, a registered physiotherapist who worked with her during participation in the CO.21 Challenge, a trial for colon cancer patients.
New research shows that exercise can help reduce colorectal cancer risk.
An anti-inflammatory diet, often filled with leafy greens and other vegetables, can be a helpful intervention to lower colorectal cancer risk, according to a new study.

Overview

  • The CO21 Challenge trial enrolled 889 colon cancer survivors across six countries and showed a structured fitness programme cut recurrence risk by 28% and mortality by 37% after eight years.
  • Participants worked with personal trainers every two weeks for a year and monthly for the next two years to achieve at least 10 metabolic equivalent task hours per week, mostly through walking or jogging.
  • Analysis found that for every 14 patients in the structured exercise group, one additional death was prevented, matching the survival benefits of many approved oncology drugs.
  • The three-year programme costs several thousand dollars per patient and is considered an affordable intervention compared with conventional treatments.
  • Researchers reported more muscle strains among exercisers and warned that broad adoption will depend on securing sufficient funding and trained staff to deliver coaching support.