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In a world-first clinical trial, researchers working with the Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG) and Sinclair Cancer Research Institute at �ʹ�����’s University, Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC), and the KHSC Research Institute, have demonstrated that a structured exercise program significantly improves survival for colon cancer patients by reducing the risk of disease recurrence and new primary cancers.

The trial, conducted over 17 years, is the first to conclusively show that physical activity after surgery and chemotherapy can improve long-term outcomes for people with colon cancer. The results, presented June 1 at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting mark a turning point in cancer care worldwide.

“As oncologists, one of the most common questions we are asked is ‘What else can I do to improve my outcome?’” says Dr. Christopher Booth, Professor of Oncology at �ʹ�����’s University and medical oncologist at KHSC, who co-chaired the study.  “The CHALLENGE trial answers that question. A structured exercise program after surgery and chemotherapy can reduce risk of recurrent or new cancer, improve quality of life and extend patients’ survival.