Everyday choices can make a huge difference in survival and preventing relapse.

In France, colon cancer was the second leading cause of cancer death, with 47,582 new cases in 2023. While genetics, smoking, and age are key risk factors, recent research shows that physical activity can be a powerful therapeutic partner. A landmark trial presented at ASCO and published in The New England Journal of Medicine tested supervised exercise for colon cancer survivors.

Physical exercise extends life after colon cancer

The Challenge study tracked 889 survivors after chemotherapy in six countries. Half joined a supervised exercise program for three years—typically 45-minute brisk walks, four times a week—while the other half got health-education brochures. The results were striking:

28% fewer recurrences and 37% fewer deaths in the exercise group

5-year disease-free survival: 80.3% with exercise vs. 73.9% with education

8-year overall survival: 90.3% with exercise vs. 83.2% with education

Exercise also cut inflammation, boosted insulin sensitivity, and strengthened the immune system.

Brisk walking in a medical setting can have many health benefits and may reduce the recurrence rate of colon cancer in particular. © Juice Dash, Shutterstock

When moving and eating well become weapons against cancer

A separate study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology followed 1,625 stage III patients. It found that diet matters too.

Dr. Sara Char of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute noted, “Patients often ask what they should do after treatment to reduce relapse risk and improve survival.” Those on a pro-inflammatory diet—high in processed meats, refined grains, and sugary drinks—had an 87% higher death risk compared to those eating an anti-inflammatory, vegetable-rich diet.

Both studies point to the same truth: simple lifestyle changes—moving more, eating well, and staying engaged with care—could become the most effective weapons against colon cancer relapse.