Studies Suggest That Exercise May Improve Cancer Outcomes

Will Loiseau

6/3/20251 min read

An 8-year study of nearly 900 colon cancer patients across 6 countries has proven what we've long suspected: structured exercise doesn't just improve quality of life - it literally saves lives.

The numbers speak volumes:

  • 37% lower risk of death

  • 28% lower risk of cancer recurrence

  • 80% of exercise participants remained disease-free vs. 74% in control group

  • For every 14 people who exercised, ONE life was saved

What did participants do? Yoga? Crossfit? Most chose something simple yet powerful: brisk walking for 45 minutes, 4 times per week. That's it.

The exercise group didn't lose more weight than the control group. This suggests that exercise prevented cancer deaths through biological pathways completely independent of weight loss - your body becomes cancer-resistant at the cellular level simply from moving consistently.

Ongoing support from physical activity consultants over 3 years provided accountability and troubleshooting.

This isn't just about cancer recovery. As colon cancer rates rise among younger adults, this research reinforces what holistic health practitioners have been advocating: movement is medicine.

The study's lead author called exercise "an intervention that improves survival and should be standard of care." Yet most patients are still sent home with vague advice to "stay active."

This is exactly why I'm passionate about evidence-based, holistic approaches to healthspan. When we combine proven science with personalized support and accountability, we don't just change fitness levels - we potentially change lives.