This activity rivals chemo for colon cancer
Key Takeaways
Industry Buzz
"Exercise is no longer just an intervention that improves quality of life and fitness. It is a treatment." — Chris Booth, MD, oncologist at Queen’s University in Ontario
At the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting, a groundbreaking study was presented that has the oncology community buzzing.
For the first time, a randomized controlled trial has demonstrated that a structured exercise regimen can significantly reduce the risk of colon cancer diagnoses and deaths, potentially rivaling the efficacy of standard chemotherapy.[]
Related: Inside a lifesaving 'last resort' clinical trial—have we finally solved the problem of chemo-resistant colon cancer?More about the study
Over 17 years, researchers followed more than 880 patients with high-risk stage 2 or 3 colon cancer after treatment.
Participants were randomly assigned to either a control group, which received general advice on physical activity, or an intervention group, which followed a specific 3-year exercise program. The exercise regimen involved three to four brisk 45- to 60-minute walks per week.
The results were striking:
Patients who followed the exercise regimen experienced a 37% reduction in mortality risk
Patients in the exercise exercise group also experienced a 28% decrease in cancer recurrence and new cancer development
After 8 years, 90% of the exercise group patients were alive, compared to 83% in the control group.
These outcomes are comparable to, and in some cases exceed, the survival benefits provided by adjuvant chemotherapy drugs like oxaliplatin, which typically offer a 5% survival boost after 10 years.
Why does exercise work?
While the exact mechanisms remain under investigation, a couple theories have emerged:
Anti-inflammatory effects: Regular physical activity may reduce systemic inflammation, thereby reducing tumor growth and preventing the spread of cancer.
Enhanced immune surveillance: Exercise could bolster the body's ability to detect and eliminate cancer cells.
Oncologist Chris Booth, MD, the study's lead author, emphasized that exercise should now be considered a legitimate, low-cost treatment option for colon cancer patients.
Dr. Booth advocates for integrating structured exercise programs into post-treatment care plans, treating them with the same seriousness as pharmacological interventions.
"Exercise is no longer just an intervention that improves quality of life and fitness. It is a treatment," Dr. Booth said during an ASCO presentation.[]
Related: Surprising benefits of one of the most simple forms of exerciseImplications for clinical practice
This study challenges the traditional view of exercise as merely an adjunct to cancer treatment. It positions exercise as a central component of cancer care, particularly in the adjuvant setting.
As oncologists, consider the following:
Prescribe exercise: Develop personalized exercise plans for patients, similar to how you would prescribe medications.
Monitor adherence: Utilize wearable devices or regular check-ins to ensure patients are following their exercise regimens.
Educate patients: Inform patients about the potential benefits of exercise in preventing cancer recurrence and improving overall health.
Collaborate with fitness professionals: Work with physical therapists or trainers to design safe and effective exercise programs tailored to individual patient needs.