Study Sheds Light on Exercise and Cancer Remission
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has sparked headlines suggesting that Structured Exercise is more effective than medication in preventing the recurrence of cancer. However, health experts warn that this interpretation is misleading. Professor Devi Sridhar, Chair of Global Public Health at the University of Edinburgh, stresses that the findings shouldn’t be seen as a battle between “big pharma” and fitness. Instead, the real message is that exercise can significantly enhance recovery, but only when paired with structured support and conventional treatment, not in place of it.
The study in question focused specifically on colon cancer, the third-most common form of the disease globally and the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Conducted across 55 centers in Australia and Canada between 2009 and 2024, the randomized trial involved 889 patients who had undergone surgery followed by chemotherapy. These participants were divided into two groups: one received structured exercise guidance and supervision, while the other was given general health education materials without direct physical activity support.
Structured Support Makes a Key Difference
The structured exercise group received much more than just advice—they participated in a comprehensive, three-year support program. This included access to personal trainers, supervised exercise sessions, and behavior support meetings. In contrast, the control group received only written materials about the benefits of exercise and healthy living. After a median follow-up of nearly eight years, the results showed that 90.3% of patients in the structured group remained disease-free, compared to 83.2% in the health education group.
Importantly, both groups did increase their physical activity levels over time. However, only the structured group consistently reached the targeted threshold of moderate to vigorous activity—roughly equivalent to 30 minutes of brisk walking or jogging, three to four times a week. This increase in activity, paired with social engagement and personal coaching, may have contributed to their improved health outcomes. According to Prof. Sridhar, this highlights the importance of motivation, routine, and social support in translating medical advice into actual lifestyle changes.
Structured Exercise Enhances, But Doesn’t Replace, Medical Treatment
Despite the encouraging findings, Prof. Sridhar warns against interpreting the study as evidence that exercise can replace traditional cancer treatments. All participants had already received surgery and chemotherapy, meaning the study never compared exercise alone to medication. Instead, it explored how structured exercise can complement existing treatments to improve long-term outcomes.
This study reinforces the broader understanding that physical activity contributes to better overall health and recovery, but it also shows that simply telling people to move more is not enough. Support systems—such as affordable group classes or community fitness initiatives—are crucial. The true takeaway isn’t that exercise beats medicine, but rather that structured movement, alongside medical care, can offer a powerful boost in the fight against cancer.
In summary, while exercise is a valuable tool in post-cancer recovery, it should be seen as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, not a standalone cure.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jul/04/exercise-drugs-cancer-remission
