# Colon cancer survival: Exercise coaching boosts life expectancy

> Exercise coaching for colon cancer patients increases survival rates by 7% after eight years.
- Title: Colon cancer survival: Exercise coaching boosts life…
- Summary: Exercise coaching for colon cancer patients increases survival rates by 7% after eight years.
- Keywords: colon cancer, exercise coaching, survival rates, cancer treatment, physical activity, health education, challenge trial, physical function
- Source: Dw — https://dw.com/en/exercise-and-cancer-what-living-longer-really-means/a-79856133?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: colon cancer, exercise coaching, survival rates, cancer treatment, physical activity, health education, challenge trial, physical function, news, world, politics
## Colon cancer survival trial
An international trial found exercise coaching improves eight-year survival for colon cancer patients by 7%.
## CHALLENGE trial details
The CHALLENGE trial, led by the Canadian Cancer Trials Group, enrolled 889 patients from six countries in 2009 and published results in 2025.
## Exercise group targets
Participants in the exercise group aimed for 45 to 60 minutes of brisk walking three to four times weekly, tailored to individual needs.
## Survival outcomes
Exercise group had 90 out of 100 alive after eight years versus 83 out of 100 in the health education group.
## Cancer prevention link
Active people have a 26% lower risk of 13 cancers, including breast and colorectal cancer, over six years.
## Breast cancer relevance
Breast cancer centers in the US must screen physical function and recommend exercise starting January 2027.
## Patient eligibility
Patients with stage II or III cancer and reasonable fitness can benefit from exercise programs without major health issues.

> I think patients with any other cancer stage II and III who have a reasonable baseline level of fitness and no major comorbidities that would prevent them from undertaking moderate to vigorous activity could be considered for similar interventions
## Long-term support benefits
Coaching helps patients become independent exercisers, improving sustainability without clinical supervision.
## Current access gaps
Only one in ten cancer patients receive exercise referrals, though most believe their oncologist should discuss it.
## Future implementation
Apps and online sessions could provide affordable, accessible exercise support for patients with limited resources.

> I think it answered some of the barriers, such as cost, travel and lack of confidence
## Key takeaway

Long-term exercise coaching for colon cancer survivors improves eight-year survival by 7% compared to health education alone.