In a groundbreaking study, researchers have provided the strongest evidence yet that structured exercise can significantly improve cancer survival. This first-of-its-kind randomized controlled trial involved nearly 900 patients from 55 cancer centers across six countries. Patients who engaged in a guided exercise program lived longer and were less likely to experience cancer recurrence or develop new cancers.
Exercise Cuts Risk of Death and Recurrence
As reported by TOI, the trial revealed striking outcomes: participants in the exercise group had a 37% lower death risk and a 28% lower risk of cancer recurrence or new cancer compared to those who received only educational materials. These findings mark a major advancement in cancer care, moving exercise from a quality-of-life intervention to a life-extending one.
Definitive Evidence for Exercise as Standard Cancer Care
“This is not just about improving fitness,” said Dr. Christopher Booth, senior author and oncology professor at Queen’s University in Canada. “We now have definitive evidence that exercise improves survival. It should become a standard part of cancer care.”
The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, focused on patients with Stage III or high-risk Stage II colon cancer who had already undergone standard surgery and chemotherapy.
How the Trial Worked: Walking Towards Recovery
Researchers divided patients into two groups. The control group received general guidance on physical activity and nutrition. The treatment group received those materials as well as structured support from a “physical activity consultant” — a combination of personal trainer and life coach. Over three years, the consultants helped patients incorporate and maintain aerobic activities into their routine.
While patients could choose from options like swimming, biking, jogging, or kayaking. The most preferred brisk walking for 45 minutes, four times a week. As a result, 80% of patients in the exercise group remained disease-free after five years, compared to 74% in the control group.
Long-Term Impact: One Life Saved for Every 14 Exercisers
After eight years, the researchers calculated that one death was prevented for every 14 people who took part in the exercise program. Importantly, the reduction was specific to colon cancer deaths, not deaths from other causes such as heart disease.
Unraveling the Mechanism: How Does Exercise Help?
Although researchers are still unclear on how exactly exercise prevents cancer recurrence or onset. They have collected blood samples to study biological changes. Dr. Kerry Courneya, lead author and Canada Research Chair in Physical Activity and Cancer at the University of Alberta, emphasized that the key to success was structured support and accountability.
Empowering Patients Through Personalized Support
Terri Swain-Collins, one of the study participants, shared how her exercise consultant helped her stay consistent. “Knowing I had a check-in every two weeks made me stick with it,” she said. While she explored different activities—including joining a gym—she ultimately favored walking. The support she received helped her fit exercise into her daily life.
“After everything I went through, choosing and sticking to an exercise plan gave me back a sense of control,” she said.