Movement Is Medicine: How Exercise Can Help Some Cancer Survivors Live Longer

New findings presented at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting are giving fresh hope to colon cancer survivors. A groundbreaking study shows that a structured exercise program can significantly lower the risk of cancer recurrence and death for people with stage III and high-risk stage II colon cancer—making exercise more than just a lifestyle recommendation. It's a life-saving prescription.

“This is the first randomized phase 3 trial in patients with stage III and high-risk stage II colon cancer to demonstrate that post-treatment exercise is both achievable and effective in improving disease-free survival,” said Dr. Pamela Kunz, an ASCO expert and oncologist at Yale School of Medicine. “Exercise as an intervention is a no brainer and should be implemented broadly.”

Why This Study Matters

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. In the U.S. alone, an estimated 106,000 people will be diagnosed with colon cancer in 2025. For patients with stage III or high-risk stage II disease, treatment typically includes surgery followed by chemotherapy. Yet even after treatment, the cancer returns in about 30% of cases, often with more aggressive progression and lower survival chances.

Despite general advice for healthy living—including a balanced diet and physical activity—few patients receive structured guidance or support to incorporate these practices into recovery. That’s what makes this new research so significant.

Inside the CHALLENGE Trial

The CHALLENGE clinical trial (2009–2023) involved 889 participants from six countries, primarily Canada and Australia. All participants had undergone surgery and chemotherapy for colon cancer and were considered cancer-free at the start of the study.

They were divided into two groups:

• One group received standard health education materials promoting physical activity and nutrition.
• The other group followed a structured exercise program, which included:
  • Personalized coaching sessions twice a month for six months
  • An individualized “exercise prescription”
  • Supervised workout sessions
  • Ongoing monthly support after the initial six-month phase

Results: A Clear Win for Exercise

After a median follow-up of nearly 8 years, the outcomes were striking:

• Disease-Free Survival:
  • 80% of those in the structured exercise program were cancer-free after five years
  • Compared to 74% in the health education group
  • This equates to a 28% lower risk of recurrent or new cancer
• Overall Survival:
  • 90% of participants in the exercise group were alive at 8 years
  • Compared to 83% in the health education group
  • Representing a 37% lower risk of death
• Physical Function:
  • The exercise group had significant and sustained improvements in physical fitness, including better VO2 max and endurance (as measured by a six-minute walk test)

However, the benefits came with some risk: 19% of patients in the exercise group reported musculoskeletal issues like muscle strains or fractures, compared to 12% in the control group. About 10% of these events were directly related to the exercise program.

What Comes Next?

Researchers plan to analyze blood samples from study participants to better understand the biological mechanisms behind exercise's protective effects. Could it be inflammation, immune function, or something else? The answers could open the door to even more targeted lifestyle-based interventions for cancer survivors.

The study was funded by several major organizations, including the Canadian Cancer Society, Cancer Research UK, and the National Health and Medical Research Council.

Bottom Line

This is the first randomized phase 3 trial to prove that structured post-treatment exercise doesn't just help patients feel better—it helps them live longer. And while more work is needed to understand how it works, the message for patients and clinicians is already clear:

“An exercise program that includes a personal trainer will reduce the risk of recurrent or new cancer, make you feel better, and help you live longer,” said Dr. Christopher Booth, lead study author and oncologist at Queen’s University in Canada.

Structured physical activity should no longer be considered optional or anecdotal—it’s a critical part of colon cancer recovery.

Attribution: This article is based on data presented at the 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting.