Health · Medical Research · 1 day ago
Exercise programs may improve survival for some cancer patients
Exercise is gaining attention as part of cancer care, with research suggesting it may help some patients live longer.
In a controlled trial, people with colon cancer who took part in a coached exercise program for three years were less likely to have their cancer return and reported better quality of life.
After eight years, 90% of participants were alive, compared with 83% of those in the control group.
The program cost about $3,000 per person and was later found to save money for the health system.
Guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise each week for people with colon cancer, but health plans do not generally have a way to pay for these programs.
Access is mostly limited to major cancer centers, and programs often rely on donations or patients paying themselves.
Some hospitals offer coaching, exercise classes, or referrals to services that may be covered, while some YMCA locations provide free or low-cost programs for cancer survivors.
Wider access will depend on creating support and funding so patients can build and maintain an exercise routine.
A randomized controlled trial found that people with colon cancer who joined a three-year structured exercise program were less likely to have a recurrence and had a better quality of life.
After eight years, 90% of program participants were alive, compared with 83% of the control group.
A later study found the program, which cost $3,000 per person, also saved money for the health system.
Experts say exercise programs can help some cancer patients, but health plans generally do not cover them and access remains limited.
Programs often rely on donations or patients paying directly, leaving some people without access.
- Who
- People with cancer, including patients with colon cancer and metastatic kidney cancer.
- What
- Exercise programs may improve survival and quality of life for some cancer patients.
- When
- A colon cancer trial ran for three years; participants’ survival was reported after eight years. The article was published on October 10, 2026.
- Where
- The programs discussed are in the United States and Canada.
- Why
- Exercise may reduce cancer recurrence and improve patients’ quality of life and survival.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This was decisive for me.
an absolute success
If we had a drug with a benefit of this magnitude, it would immediately become the standard treatment and be covered
we simply don’t have the necessary infrastructure.
A randomized controlled trial found that colon cancer patients in a three-year structured exercise program had lower recurrence and better quality of life.
A later study found that the program cost $3,000 per person and saved money for the health system.
Lee Colker began participating in a clinical trial for metastatic kidney cancer and joined a virtual exercise program.
Folha published its report on exercise programs and cancer survival.
- Program duration
- Three years
- Survival after eight years
- 90% of exercise-program participants; 83% of the control group
- Program cost
- $3,000 per person
- Recommended exercise
- At least 150 minutes a week of moderate-to-vigorous activity for colon cancer patients
- Colker’s age
- 66
Sources
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