A structured exercise program post-treatment improved disease-free and overall survival in stage 3 and high-risk stage 2 colorectal cancer patients. Eligible patients with resected stage 3 or high-risk stage 2 CRC were randomly assigned to a structured exercise program (445 patients) or to receive health education materials promoting physical activity and healthy nutrition in (444 patients). Both patient groups were given standard cancer surveillance and follow-up care.
131 patients in the health education materials group had their cancer recur, compared with 93 patients in the structured exercise program. The disease-free survival rate was 74 per cent and 80 per cent in the health education materials and structured exercise
program groups at five years, respectively. Additionally, in the structured exercise program, the risk of recurrent or new cancers developing was lowered by 28 per cent versus patients who only received health education materials. Patients in the exercise program had a 28 per cent lower risk of cancer recurrence and a 37 per cent lower risk of death compared to those receiving health education materials. This study showed that 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.
Source: The New England Journal of Medicine, 2025
