In a groundbreaking international study, exercise has emerged as a powerful tool for stopping cancer from coming back after treatment—proving even more effective than many drugs and without the side effects. The study, spanning over a decade and involving patients from six countries, suggests that structured exercise should become a key part of cancer recovery plans.
The Landmark Trial
The trial, known as the Challenge study, was conducted by the Canada Cancer Trials Group and included nearly 900 patients with advanced colon cancer. These patients had already undergone standard treatments like surgery and chemotherapy. Researchers randomly assigned half of them to a structured exercise program, while the other half received only health advice.
The exercise group worked closely with personal trainers and health coaches for three years. Their goal was to complete the equivalent of three or four brisk 45- to 60-minute walks each week. Participants chose activities that fit their lives, from kayaking and jogging to simply walking. This personalized approach helped patients stick with the program, making it part of their daily routine.
Impressive Results
The results, presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (Asco) annual meeting in Chicago and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, were striking:
- 28% lower risk of cancer recurrence or new cancers for those in the exercise program.
- 37% lower risk of death after eight years compared to those who only received health advice.
- One death was prevented for every 14 patients who followed the structured exercise program.
These figures are even more impressive than those seen with many cancer drugs, according to Dr. Julie Gralow, chief medical officer of Asco. “We titled [the session] As Good as a Drug. I would have retitled it Better than a Drug, because you don’t have all the side-effects,” she said.
Beyond Colon Cancer
The trial focused on colon cancer, which claims the lives of around 9,500 people in the UK every year. Researchers believe the benefits of exercise could extend to other cancers as well. Fewer breast cancer cases were reported in the exercise group, hinting at broader potential for this intervention.
Dr. Christopher Booth, the lead researcher from Queen’s University in Canada, said, “These results now provide us with a clear answer: an exercise programme that includes a personal trainer will reduce the risk of recurrent or new cancer, make you feel better and help you live longer.”
The Science Behind It
While researchers are still investigating why exercise has such a powerful impact on cancer recurrence, they know it isn’t solely about weight loss. Exercise improves insulin sensitivity and reduces inflammation, both of which may help the body fight cancer cells.
Blood samples from the trial are being studied to shed more light on these mechanisms. Dr. Booth emphasized that the patients in the exercise group didn’t lose more weight than the others, suggesting that something deeper is happening at a cellular level.
Commentary and Reactions
Experts across the field are calling the findings a game-changer. Prof. Charles Swanton, chief clinician at Cancer Research UK, said, “For an intervention that isn’t a drug, exercise offers remarkable benefits for patients.” He believes this study will change how oncologists approach recovery, encouraging them to prescribe exercise as part of treatment.
Sir Stephen Powis, the NHS’s national medical director, said the findings are “life-changing,” adding that exercise can “turbocharge the body’s ability to prevent cancer returning.” He acknowledged, however, that exercise can be tough for patients after treatment, and recommended talking to cancer care teams for help in getting started.
Moving Forward
For cancer patients, this study offers hope and empowerment. Margaret Tubridy, a 69-year-old trial participant from Belfast, had never exercised in her life. With the support of a personal trainer, she started with walks and progressed to weight training and pole walking. “I am stronger, fitter and my anxiety is better,” she said. “Taking part in the trial helped me so much—I am chuffed to bits.”
As the global cancer community digests these findings, researchers are calling for more trials in other cancer types. But for now, the message is clear: exercise isn’t just about staying fit—it can be a lifesaving part of cancer recovery.
Dr. Pamela Kunz of Yale School of Medicine put it simply: “Exercise as an intervention is a no-brainer and should be implemented broadly.” For many, it could be the key to long-term survival—and a healthier, more active life after cancer.
