Adapted Physical Activity Significantly Improves Outcomes for Colorectal Cancer Patients

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and new evidence underscores the vital role of adapted physical activity (APA) in improving outcomes for patients undergoing treatment and recovery. A groundbreaking study, the CHALLENGE trial, demonstrates that incorporating regular, supervised exercise into a care plan can reduce cancer recurrence, extend life expectancy, and empower patients to accept control of their health.

The Benefits of Adapted Physical Activity

It’s long been understood that APA can reduce fatigue and stress. In breast cancer, research has linked regular APA to a reduction in the risk of recurrence and death. The CHALLENGE study builds on this knowledge, providing the first randomized clinical trial evidence of these benefits for colorectal cancer patients.

The CHALLENGE Study: A Randomized Clinical Trial

The CHALLENGE study, conducted across six countries, involved 889 patients at high risk of recurrence who had undergone surgery for colon cancer and completed chemotherapy. Participants were divided into two groups:

• Control Group: Received a brochure encouraging healthy eating and exercise.
• Experimental Group: Received three years of individual supervision from an APA professional, integrating at least 2.5 hours of moderate exercise per week (such as walking, cycling, or swimming) into their daily lives.

Unprecedented Results

The results, presented at the 2025 ASCO international congress and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, were significant:

• Reduced Cancer Recurrence: Participants in the APA group were 28% less likely to experience cancer recurrence or develop a new cancer compared to the control group. After five years, 80% of the “athletes” were in remission, compared to 74% in the control group.
• Extended Life Expectancy: The risk of death from all causes was reduced by 37% in patients who participated in APA. After eight years, 9 out of 10 patients in the APA group were still alive, compared to 8 out of 10 in the control group.

Empowering Patients and Potential Cost Savings

Beyond the statistical improvements, the program empowered patients to actively participate in their recovery. One study participant, Terri, shared in a video released by the Canadian Cancer Society, “This clinical trial allowed me to take control of my own recovery, at my own pace and in my own way.”

Dr. Christopher Booth, who led the study in Canada, advocates for a shift in the standard of care. He believes patients should be referred to a state-funded exercise specialist after surgery and chemotherapy, arguing that this treatment could lead to considerable cost savings compared to managing cancer relapse. “Our health systems cannot afford to do without it,” he stated.

Get Involved and Support APA Access

To learn more about accessing supervised adapted physical activities and supporting reimbursement for APA, consider joining relevant organizations and advocating for broader access to these vital programs.

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: A Time for Action

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is a crucial time to highlight the importance of screening and the benefits of a holistic approach to care, including adapted physical activity. By prioritizing preventative measures and supportive therapies, we can improve outcomes and quality of life for those affected by this disease.