Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in Canada. Last year, an estimated 25,200 Canadians were diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 9,400 people died from it.
Funded by the Canadian Cancer Society, a groundbreaking clinical trial has proven that physical activity can improve survival for colon cancer. The findings of the CCTG CO21 Challenge clinical trial show that a structured exercise program can reduce rates of recurrence, mortality and developing a new primary cancer for people with colon cancer.
An international study to increase colon cancer survival
Led by Dr Christopher Booth at Queen’s University and Dr Kerry Courneya at the University of Alberta, working with the Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG), this was the first clinical trial in the world to use structured exercise to increase cancer survival.
The 17-year-long international study involved 889 people across 55 hospitals in 6 countries. After having surgery and chemotherapy, participants were given a 3-year structured exercise program or standard health education materials that are currently given to patients. Each participant in the exercise program chose their own forms of moderate-intensity exercise – from walking to pickleball – with the goal of adding 2.5 hours of exercise per week to their regular activity schedule.
The trial results confirm that bringing structured exercise programs into cancer care has benefits linked to survival and prevention. The participants had a 28% lower risk of recurrence and developing a second cancer, and a 37% lower risk of death than people who did not participate.
“This is the first clinical trial in the world designed to answer whether exercise can improve cancer survival, and its clear-cut results should immediately change practice,” says study co-chair, Dr Booth, a medical oncologist and health services researcher.
“The next step is to put this into practice, and that means health systems will need to invest in behaviour support programs as part of standard care.”
To help bring the study findings into the standard of cancer care, researchers are currently doing a health economic analysis. They expect that the program will be very cost-effective compared to many new cancer drugs.
Terri's story
In 2021, Terri Swain-Collins was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. She was under the care of Dr Booth and after having surgery and chemotherapy, Dr Booth invited Terri to join the CCTG CO21 Challenge clinical trial.
Terri began the trial in February 2022, working with a physiotherapist to develop a fitness routine that focused on regular brisk walking.
“One of the biggest benefits was having a semi-structured routine that works for my lifestyle with someone to hold me accountable,” says Terri. “Simply being told to exercise by a physician wouldn’t have been enough to get me to where I am today. Having someone walk alongside me, guide me and check in regularly was what truly made it possible.”
Three years later, Terri is cancer-free and continues to walk 3 times a week. She feels fit and is grateful for the impact of the program on her health and well-being.
Support research progress in Canada
This Canadian-led trial has the power the save and improve the lives of the tens of thousands of people affected by colorectal cancer in Canada. It can also change how colorectal cancer is managed around the world.
Clinical trials are an important way to make research progress. When you donate to the Canadian Cancer Society, you’re supporting groundbreaking research with a real impact on people with cancer in Canada and around the world.
The Canadian Cancer Trials Group is a national program of the Canadian Cancer Society. This academic cooperative oncology group designs and conducts trials testing cancer therapy, supportive care and prevention interventions across Canada.
You can support clinical trials in Canada and help advance research progress today.