New research reveals that post-treatment exercise dramatically lowers cancer recurrence and mortality, signaling a potential shift in global cancer care

A landmark international trial has revealed that structured exercise after cancer treatment significantly reduces the risk of death by 37% and lowers the chance of tumours returning or new cancers developing by 28%. These striking results, presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, provide the first clear evidence that exercise can outperform many current drug therapies in preventing cancer recurrence.

The decade-long study enrolled 889 patients with mostly stage three colon cancer from six countries, including the US, UK, Australia, France, Canada, and Israel. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: one received health advice alone, while the other undertook a structured exercise programme guided by personal trainers or health coaches for three years.

Those in the exercise group aimed to complete the equivalent of three to four weekly walks lasting 45 to 60 minutes, though they were free to choose activities such as kayaking or skiing. They met trainers twice monthly initially, then once monthly later, to ensure motivation and goal-setting.

After five years, the exercise group’s risk of cancer recurrence or new cancer was 28% lower than the control group. After eight years, their risk of death was 37% lower. Dr Christopher Booth of Queen’s University, Canada, the study’s lead author, described the results as a gamechanger for oncologists and patients alike.

“Patients often ask what else they can do to improve their outcomes after surgery and chemotherapy,” Booth said. “This study provides a clear answer: a structured exercise programme supervised by a trainer can reduce recurrence risk, enhance wellbeing, and extend life.”

Dr Julie Gralow, chief medical officer of ASCO, who was not involved in the trial, said the findings were “the highest level of evidence” on exercise’s benefits in cancer care. “I would say [exercise is] better than a drug,” she added, noting exercise’s comparable or superior impact to many approved cancer drugs — but without their side effects or high costs.

Professor Charles Swanton, chief clinician at Cancer Research UK, which funded the UK segment, praised the study’s implications. “Exercise offers remarkable benefits for patients, transforming health and boosting survival chances after treatment,” he said. “For some, physical activity can be a gamechanger in their recovery.”

While the study focused on colon cancer, experts believe its conclusions may apply across other cancer types. Booth mentioned preliminary data suggesting lower breast and prostate cancer occurrences in the exercise group, though further trials are needed.

NHS England’s national medical director, Professor Sir Stephen Powis, called the findings “really exciting,” highlighting exercise’s multiple health benefits: maintaining healthy weight, strengthening immunity, reducing inflammation, and improving mood. He encouraged tailored physical activity as a vital complement to cancer treatment.

Experts caution that exercise may not suit everyone and advise patients to consult their doctors before starting new routines. Nonetheless, oncologists worldwide are expected to incorporate exercise guidance into post-treatment care.

In summary, this world-first study marks a pivotal moment in cancer treatment, positioning exercise as a powerful, low-cost intervention that could save countless lives by preventing cancer’s return and prolonging survival.