Overview
- The CO21 Challenge trial enrolled 889 colon cancer survivors from six countries and compared a three-year personalized exercise regimen against educational guidance.
- After five years, the exercise group experienced a 28% lower risk of relapse or new cancer and after eight years saw a 37% reduction in overall mortality.
- Participants received in-person coaching for the first six months followed by regular meetings with a physical activity consultant to sustain their fitness routines.
- Researchers reported that exercise not only improved survival but also reduced fatigue, lifted mood and enhanced physical strength.
- The findings, published in the New England Journal of Medicine and unveiled at ASCO, have led experts to advocate embedding exercise coaching in oncology as an affordable standard treatment.