Dr. Allan
Lima Pereira

Content directed at patients and families, using accessible language with fewer technical terms on topics of common interest.

• Vaccines and cancer
• Exercise and cancer
• Cancer myths
• Patient rights

Why does exercise matter after colon cancer treatment?

A large international study called the CHALLENGE trial looked at whether a structured exercise program could help prevent colon cancer from coming back. This is the first study of its kind to show that exercise can actually improve survival — not just help you feel better.

What did the study find?

The study followed 889 patients with stage II or III colon cancer who had finished their chemotherapy. Half were given a 3-year exercise program with coaching support, and half received general health information only.

After nearly 8 years of follow-up, the results were striking:

• 80 out of 100 patients in the exercise group were cancer-free at 5 years, compared to 74 out of 100 in the group without the exercise program.
• 90 out of 100 patients in the exercise group were alive at 8 years, compared to 83 out of 100 in the other group.
• Patients who exercised also reported feeling physically better and more functional in their daily lives.

To put this in perspective, the benefit of exercise was comparable to some of the chemotherapy drugs used to treat colon cancer.

What kind of exercise are we talking about?

This is not about running marathons or going to the gym every day. The goal is simple:

• At least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise — that's about 30 minutes, 5 days a week.
• Brisk walking is a great option. Other activities like swimming, cycling, or dancing also count.
• "Moderate" means you can talk while exercising, but you couldn't sing a song comfortably.
• You get to choose what you enjoy — the key is doing it regularly.

Is it safe?

Yes. In the study, some patients had minor muscle or joint aches (about 1 in 5), but these were generally mild and manageable. Only a very small number of those aches were actually caused by the exercise program itself. There were no serious safety concerns.

When should I start?

The patients in the study started their exercise program shortly after finishing chemotherapy. It is important to start gradually and build up over time. Your medical team can help you create a plan that works for your body and your schedule.

What should I take away from this?

• Exercise is now considered a standard part of colon cancer care after treatment — not just a nice idea, but something that can genuinely help prevent the cancer from coming back.
• You do not need to be an athlete. Walking counts.
• Start where you are, and build up slowly.
• Talk to your doctor or care team about getting support to stay active — having a plan and someone to check in with makes a big difference.

A simple goal to remember: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week — like a brisk 30-minute walk, 5 days a week.

Complete information in accessible language.

• Colorectal Cancer
• Breast Cancer
• Lung Cancer
• Head and Neck Cancer – July Green
• Skin Cancers and Melanoma

Content for researchers, master's and doctoral students. Topics cover clinical research methodology and video tutorials on the most common statistical analyses.