It’s no secret that exercise is good for you. But a new study is shedding light on just how powerful regular physical activity can be — especially for people who’ve battled colon cancer.
Colon cancer is one of the most common and deadly forms of cancer, and its incidence is rising among younger adults in the United States. But now, new research published in the journal Cancer suggests that for survivors, lacing up your sneakers could be one of the best post-treatment decisions you can make.
In fact, the benefits of exercise were so significant that, in some cases, colon cancer survivors who were physically active lived longer than people who had never been diagnosed with the disease at all.
That’s not a typo — exercise didn’t just help survivors live longer than other survivors. It helped them outlive people who’d never had cancer.
A Closer Look at the Study
The research team behind the study surveyed nearly 3,000 people who had been treated for colon cancer. They asked participants about their physical activity levels both before and after their treatment and followed them over time to see how those habits might affect long-term survival.
What they discovered was striking. Among patients who were at least three years out from treatment and considered cancer-free, those who reported regular exercise had significantly better overall survival compared to those who were less active. And yes — those gains sometimes extended beyond what researchers would expect in the general population.
Even patients whose cancer had returned still saw meaningful benefits from exercise. While recurrence understandably impacts outcomes, the study found that being physically active still provided a survival boost for this group, too.
The study’s senior author told NPR that these findings suggest physical activity can have a “meaningful impact” on a colon cancer survivor’s long-term prognosis.
How Much Exercise Are We Talking About?
Let’s be clear: This study didn’t require people to run marathons, hit CrossFit five days a week, or train like Olympic athletes. The biggest benefits were observed in participants who were getting the equivalent of a brisk walk for about an hour a day, most days of the week.
In real terms, that’s walking at a moderate pace — around 2 to 3 miles per hour — for about six days a week. It’s the kind of movement that fits easily into everyday life, from neighborhood strolls to treadmill walks while watching your favorite show.
In other words, this is exercise that’s doable, not daunting.
Why Is Exercise So Helpful for Colon Cancer Survivors?
Scientists have long suspected that physical activity can play a role in cancer recovery and survivorship. Past studies have shown that regular exercise improves quality of life, reduces fatigue, and may even reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. But this new research adds another layer by showing just how powerful that effect can be on long-term survival.
There are a few reasons why exercise might be especially helpful for colon cancer patients:
- It helps regulate insulin and inflammation levels, both of which are linked to cancer development and progression.
- It can improve immune system function, making the body better equipped to handle potential cancer cells.
- It supports healthy digestion and reduces gut inflammation, which may be particularly important for colon health.
- It contributes to better mental health, which plays an underrated role in recovery and long-term wellness.
While the biological mechanisms are still being studied, the bottom line is clear: moving your body helps your body heal.
What This Means for Survivors — and Everyone Else
One of the most surprising parts of the study was how active survivors sometimes outlived those who never had cancer. That doesn’t mean getting colon cancer is good for you, of course. But it does suggest that when survivors are proactive about their health — including by adopting regular exercise — they may end up with better overall health outcomes than those who never face the same wake-up call.
It’s a reminder that survivorship isn’t just about beating cancer. It’s about what comes next — and how everyday choices can help build a longer, stronger life after treatment.
Before You Start a New Routine…
While the findings are exciting, it’s always important for cancer survivors to talk to their healthcare provider before starting a new exercise regimen, especially after treatment. Every body — and every recovery — is different. That said, most doctors will agree: gentle, consistent movement is almost always a good idea.
Even starting small — like taking a 10-minute walk after dinner — can build momentum toward a more active lifestyle. And if an hour a day feels out of reach right now, don’t sweat it (well, maybe sweat a little). Every bit of movement counts.
The Takeaway
If you’re a colon cancer survivor, your recovery isn’t just about what happens in the doctor’s office. It’s about the choices you make every day — including how often you move your body. According to this new study, those daily walks could be doing more than helping you feel better in the short term. They might actually help you live longer.
For everyone else, the message is equally powerful: exercise is a form of medicine. Whether you’re recovering from cancer, hoping to prevent it, or just trying to stay well, getting up and moving could be one of the most important things you do today.
And the best part? You don’t have to go it alone. Grab a friend, make it social, and take that walk together. Your future self may thank you.
