Latest news with #KerryCourneya
Vancouver Sun
11-06-2025
- Health
- Vancouver Sun
Opinion: Exercise improves cancer survival — and a Canadian study leads the way
Last week, history was made in the world of cancer research — not with a new drug, but with something far more accessible and powerful: exercise. A landmark study published in The New England Journal of Medicine has confirmed, for the first time in a randomized controlled trial, that a structured exercise program can significantly improve survival for people treated for early-stage colon cancer. The Challenge trial showed that a three-year structured exercise program initiated after chemotherapy reduced the risk of cancer recurrence or death by 28 per cent, and improved overall survival by 37 per cent. Compared to health education alone, this was a 7.1 per cent improvement in the likelihood of being alive at the eight-year mark. Let that sink in: Brisk walking a few times a week can improve survival as much — or more — than many modern cancer drugs, with none of the side effects and at a fraction of the cost. A daily roundup of Opinion pieces from the Sun and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Informed Opinion will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. For years, observational studies hinted that physically active cancer survivors tended to live longer and feel better. But these studies were limited by their design — confounded by the fact that healthier people might be more likely to exercise. Now, the Challenge trial provides the gold-standard evidence we've been waiting for — led by Drs. Christopher Booth and Kerry Courneya through the Canadian Cancer Trials Group, this 'first-in-class' trial enrolled 889 patients in Canada, Australia, and the UK and confirmed that supervised exercise with behaviour change support improves both disease-free and overall survival, while enhancing physical functioning and quality of life. This has profound implications for cancer care — and for our health system. First, it's time to redefine 'treatment.' Cancer care has long focused on surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. But what happens after treatment is often an afterthought. Survivors may be left with side effects, fatigue, and fear of recurrence, and limited resources to support them. The Challenge trial flips that paradigm: recovery isn't passive. Exercise is not a 'nice to have' — it is a powerful, life-prolonging intervention. Second, access to structured exercise programs are not currently a standard-of-care for cancer survivors in Canada. That must change. These programs require relatively modest investment compared to the high costs of systemic therapies — yet they deliver survival benefits on par with expensive drugs. And unlike drugs, exercise can also reduce cardiovascular risk, improve mental health, and enhance overall quality of life. Third, this is a Canadian success story. The Challenge trial was conceived, led, and executed by Canadian investigators. The Canadian Cancer Society, together with global partners, funded this 15-year effort — a testament to the power of sustained investment in publicly funded clinical research. At a time when Canada's health research ecosystem faces financial strain, the success of Challenge highlights what's possible when we back bold ideas with the resources they deserve. Finally, the findings call on all of us — policymakers, cancer agencies and clinicians — to act. We must embed exercise into survivorship care across the country and simply telling people to exercise is not enough. This will require funding to support exercise professionals in cancer centres and the community, build incentives for survivor-focused programming, and eliminate structural barriers to participation. Survivorship care is not optional — it's essential. Of course, exercise is not a cure-all. Some patients may be unable to participate due to comorbidities or limitations. But for the majority, supervised aerobic activity like walking or cycling can and should be part of the care plan. Importantly, the Challenge program was designed to be adaptable and accessible — guided by behavioural science, delivered by trained consultants, and tailored to each patient's fitness level. We should applaud the Challenge investigators, the Canadian Cancer Trials Group, and the hundreds of patients who participated in this transformative trial. Their commitment will change how we support people after cancer — not just in Canada, but around the world. Now, it's our turn to rise to the challenge. Dr. Sharlene Gill is a medical oncologist at B.C. Cancer, professor of medicine at the University of B.C., and chair of the GI Disease Site for the Canadian Cancer Trials Group.
Fox News
01-06-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Exercise program reduces common cancer recurrence and boosts survival
Exercising regularly in the three years after treatment for a common cancer could significantly improve survival rates, an international study has revealed. In the research, a total of 889 colon cancer patients who had undergone surgery and had also received chemotherapy were divided into two groups. One group was enrolled in a structured group exercise program for a three-year period and a second group received educational health materials, according to a study press release. Led by coaches, the exercise group was permitted to choose their own type of moderate-intensity exercise, such as walking or pickleball. The overall goal was to add 2 ½ hours of activity per week. At the eight-year mark, the participants in the exercise group were 28% less likely to have a recurrence of colon cancer or emergence of new cancers, and had a 37% higher overall survival rate. "Our findings show that exercise is no longer just a quality-of-life intervention for cancer patients that can be offered when and where possible," said study co-chair Dr. Kerry Courneya, a professor of kinesiology at the University of Alberta and Canada Research Chair in Physical Activity and Cancer, in the release. "It is a treatment for colon cancer that must be made available to all patients." One of the patients in the study, Terri Swain-Collins, was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in 2021. After she underwent surgery and chemo, she was enrolled in the clinical trial and was assigned to the exercise group. Swain-Collins worked closely with a physiotherapist to create a fitness regimen that worked for her. "It is a treatment for colon cancer that must be made available to all patients." "One of the biggest benefits was having a semi-structured routine that works for my lifestyle with someone to hold me accountable," she said in the release. "Simply being told to exercise by a physician wouldn't have been enough to get me to where I am today; having someone walk alongside me, guide me and check in regularly was what truly made it possible." Three years later, Swain-Collins is still walking regularly and is cancer-free. This was the first study to directly examine the impact of structured exercise on cancer survival, according to the researchers. "The next step is to put this into practice," said study co-chair Dr. Chris Booth, medical oncologist at Kingston Health Sciences Centre and professor of oncology at Queen's University, in the release. "That means health systems will need to invest in behavior support programs as part of standard care." Implementing exercise as an anti-cancer tool could be "remarkably cost-effective compared to many new cancer drugs," Booth noted. The study did find, however, that patients in the exercise group were more likely to develop muscle strains or injuries (18.5%) than the non-exercisers (11.5%). The findings were published in The New England Journal of Medicine and were also presented at the ASCO (American Society of Clinical Oncology) annual meeting in Chicago on Sunday. The study was funded by the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS). For more Health articles, visit Colorectal cancer is the third-most common cancer among men and women in the U.S., according to the American Cancer Society. Among people under 50, rates of diagnosis have increased by 2.4% per year from 2012 to 2021.
Cision Canada
01-06-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
World-first clinical trial confirms exercise improves survival for colon cancer Français
A Canadian Cancer Society-funded trial reveals that guided exercise can save and prolong lives by reducing risk of cancer recurrence and second cancers TORONTO, June 1, 2025 /CNW/ - A groundbreaking clinical trial funded by the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) shows that physical activity can significantly improve outcomes for people with colon cancer. Researchers say the study is the first in the world to use structured exercise to increase cancer survival. The trial results, presented today at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual conference and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, have the potential to change clinical practice. They show that, when incorporated into cancer care for people with colon cancer, a structured exercise program reduces the risk of cancer recurrence and of new primary cancers developing. "Our findings show that exercise is no longer just a quality-of-life intervention for cancer patients that can be offered when and where possible," says study co-chair Dr Kerry Courneya, a professor of kinesiology at the University of Alberta and Canada Research Chair in Physical Activity and Cancer. "It is a treatment for colon cancer that must be made available to all patients." Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in Canada. Last year, an estimated 25,200 Canadians were diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 9,400 people died from it. To improve outcomes, a team led by Dr Courneya and Dr Chris Booth – study co-chair, medical oncologist at Kingston Health Sciences Centre and professor of oncology at Queen's University – has been working with the Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG) on this first-of-its kind trial. The 17-year international trial involved 889 people, all of whom had been diagnosed with and treated for colon cancer. After having surgery and chemotherapy, participants were given a 3-year structured exercise program or standard health education materials that are currently given to patients. Each participant in the exercise program chose their own forms of moderate-intensity exercise – from walking to pickleball – with the goal of adding 2.5 hours of exercise per week to their regular activity schedule. The outcome: those who received the exercise program had a 28% lower risk of recurrence and new cancers and a 37% lower risk of death. "This is the first clinical trial in the world designed to answer whether exercise can improve cancer survival, and the results are clear," says Dr Booth. "The next step is to put this into practice. That means health systems will need to invest in behaviour support programs as part of standard care." The researchers are currently conducting a comprehensive health economic analysis. According to Dr Booth, they anticipate that the program will be "remarkably cost-effective compared to many new cancer drugs," making it sustainable for health systems. Terri's story Terri Swain-Collins was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in 2021 after a screening test led to further investigation. Following treatment including surgery and chemotherapy, she was invited to join Dr Booth and Dr Courneya's clinical trial. During the trial, she worked closely with a physiotherapist to establish and maintain a fitness routine personalized to her needs. "One of the biggest benefits was having a semi-structured routine that works for my lifestyle with someone to hold me accountable," says Terri. "Simply being told to exercise by a physician wouldn't have been enough to get me to where I am today; having someone walk alongside me, guide me and check in regularly was what truly made it possible." Now, 3 years later, Terri continues to walk 3 times a week, feels fit and remains cancer-free. She says she is grateful for the impact of the program on her health and well-being. "By bridging the gap between bold ideas and routine practice, clinical trials are essential to driving research progress that can benefit patients," says Dr Stuart Edmonds, Executive Vice President, Mission, Research and Advocacy at CCS. "The results of this trial have the potential to save and improve lives for the tens of thousands of people in Canada affected by colorectal cancer each year, and we are proud our donors enabled us to support it." The international study co-chair was Dr Janette Vardy, from The University of Sydney (Australia) with funding from National Health and Medical Research Council. The UK team was led by Dr Victoria Coyle at Queen's University of Belfast, supported by Cancer Research UK. About the Canadian Cancer Society The Canadian Cancer Society works tirelessly to save and improve lives. We raise funds to fuel the brightest minds in cancer research. We provide a compassionate support system for all those affected by cancer, across Canada and for all types of cancer. Together with patients, supporters, donors and volunteers, we work to create a healthier future for everyone. Because to take on cancer, it takes all of us. It takes a society. Help us make a difference. Call 1-888-939-3333 or visit today. About the Canadian Cancer Trials Group The Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG) is a cancer clinical trials research cooperative that runs phase I–III trials to test anti-cancer and supportive therapies at over 85 hospitals and cancer centres across Canada. From their operations centre at Queen's University, CCTG has supported more than 600 trials enrolling 100,000 patients from 40 countries on 6 continents through a global network of 20,000 investigators and clinical trial staff. CCTG is the Canadian Coordinating Clinical Trial Network for the US NCTN and is a national program of the Canadian Cancer Society. CCTG's aim is to improve survival and quality of life for all people with cancer. Learn more at
Associated Press
01-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
World-first clinical trial confirms exercise improves survival for colon cancer
A Canadian Cancer Society-funded trial reveals that guided exercise can save and prolong lives by reducing risk of cancer recurrence and second cancers TORONTO, June 1, 2025 /CNW/ - A groundbreaking clinical trial funded by the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) shows that physical activity can significantly improve outcomes for people with colon cancer. Researchers say the study is the first in the world to use structured exercise to increase cancer survival. The trial results, presented today at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual conference and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, have the potential to change clinical practice. They show that, when incorporated into cancer care for people with colon cancer, a structured exercise program reduces the risk of cancer recurrence and of new primary cancers developing. 'Our findings show that exercise is no longer just a quality-of-life intervention for cancer patients that can be offered when and where possible,' says study co-chair Dr Kerry Courneya, a professor of kinesiology at the University of Alberta and Canada Research Chair in Physical Activity and Cancer. 'It is a treatment for colon cancer that must be made available to all patients.' Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in Canada. Last year, an estimated 25,200 Canadians were diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 9,400 people died from it. To improve outcomes, a team led by Dr Courneya and Dr Chris Booth – study co-chair, medical oncologist at Kingston Health Sciences Centre and professor of oncology at Queen's University – has been working with the Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG) on this first-of-its kind trial. The 17-year international trial involved 889 people, all of whom had been diagnosed with and treated for colon cancer. After having surgery and chemotherapy, participants were given a 3-year structured exercise program or standard health education materials that are currently given to patients. Each participant in the exercise program chose their own forms of moderate-intensity exercise – from walking to pickleball – with the goal of adding 2.5 hours of exercise per week to their regular activity schedule. The outcome: those who received the exercise program had a 28% lower risk of recurrence and new cancers and a 37% lower risk of death. 'This is the first clinical trial in the world designed to answer whether exercise can improve cancer survival, and the results are clear,' says Dr Booth. 'The next step is to put this into practice. That means health systems will need to invest in behaviour support programs as part of standard care.' The researchers are currently conducting a comprehensive health economic analysis. According to Dr Booth, they anticipate that the program will be 'remarkably cost-effective compared to many new cancer drugs,' making it sustainable for health systems. Terri's story Terri Swain-Collins was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in 2021 after a screening test led to further investigation. Following treatment including surgery and chemotherapy, she was invited to join Dr Booth and Dr Courneya's clinical trial. During the trial, she worked closely with a physiotherapist to establish and maintain a fitness routine personalized to her needs. 'One of the biggest benefits was having a semi-structured routine that works for my lifestyle with someone to hold me accountable,' says Terri. 'Simply being told to exercise by a physician wouldn't have been enough to get me to where I am today; having someone walk alongside me, guide me and check in regularly was what truly made it possible.' Now, 3 years later, Terri continues to walk 3 times a week, feels fit and remains cancer-free. She says she is grateful for the impact of the program on her health and well-being. 'By bridging the gap between bold ideas and routine practice, clinical trials are essential to driving research progress that can benefit patients,' says Dr Stuart Edmonds, Executive Vice President, Mission, Research and Advocacy at CCS. 'The results of this trial have the potential to save and improve lives for the tens of thousands of people in Canada affected by colorectal cancer each year, and we are proud our donors enabled us to support it.' The international study co-chair was Dr Janette Vardy, from The University of Sydney (Australia) with funding from National Health and Medical Research Council. The UK team was led by Dr Victoria Coyle at Queen's University of Belfast, supported by Cancer Research UK. About the Canadian Cancer Society The Canadian Cancer Society works tirelessly to save and improve lives. We raise funds to fuel the brightest minds in cancer research. We provide a compassionate support system for all those affected by cancer, across Canada and for all types of cancer. Together with patients, supporters, donors and volunteers, we work to create a healthier future for everyone. Because to take on cancer, it takes all of us. It takes a society. Help us make a difference. Call 1-888-939-3333 or visit today. About the Canadian Cancer Trials Group The Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG) is a cancer clinical trials research cooperative that runs phase I–III trials to test anti-cancer and supportive therapies at over 85 hospitals and cancer centres across Canada. From their operations centre at Queen's University, CCTG has supported more than 600 trials enrolling 100,000 patients from 40 countries on 6 continents through a global network of 20,000 investigators and clinical trial staff. CCTG is the Canadian Coordinating Clinical Trial Network for the US NCTN and is a national program of the Canadian Cancer Society. CCTG's aim is to improve survival and quality of life for all people with cancer. Learn more at SOURCE Canadian Cancer Society (National Office)
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
World-first clinical trial confirms exercise improves survival for colon cancer
A Canadian Cancer Society-funded trial reveals that guided exercise can save and prolong lives by reducing risk of cancer recurrence and second cancers TORONTO, June 1, 2025 /CNW/ - A groundbreaking clinical trial funded by the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) shows that physical activity can significantly improve outcomes for people with colon cancer. Researchers say the study is the first in the world to use structured exercise to increase cancer survival. The trial results, presented today at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual conference and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, have the potential to change clinical practice. They show that, when incorporated into cancer care for people with colon cancer, a structured exercise program reduces the risk of cancer recurrence and of new primary cancers developing. "Our findings show that exercise is no longer just a quality-of-life intervention for cancer patients that can be offered when and where possible," says study co-chair Dr Kerry Courneya, a professor of kinesiology at the University of Alberta and Canada Research Chair in Physical Activity and Cancer. "It is a treatment for colon cancer that must be made available to all patients." Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in Canada. Last year, an estimated 25,200 Canadians were diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 9,400 people died from it. To improve outcomes, a team led by Dr Courneya and Dr Chris Booth – study co-chair, medical oncologist at Kingston Health Sciences Centre and professor of oncology at Queen's University – has been working with the Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG) on this first-of-its kind trial. The 17-year international trial involved 889 people, all of whom had been diagnosed with and treated for colon cancer. After having surgery and chemotherapy, participants were given a 3-year structured exercise program or standard health education materials that are currently given to patients. Each participant in the exercise program chose their own forms of moderate-intensity exercise – from walking to pickleball – with the goal of adding 2.5 hours of exercise per week to their regular activity schedule. The outcome: those who received the exercise program had a 28% lower risk of recurrence and new cancers and a 37% lower risk of death. "This is the first clinical trial in the world designed to answer whether exercise can improve cancer survival, and the results are clear," says Dr Booth. "The next step is to put this into practice. That means health systems will need to invest in behaviour support programs as part of standard care." The researchers are currently conducting a comprehensive health economic analysis. According to Dr Booth, they anticipate that the program will be "remarkably cost-effective compared to many new cancer drugs," making it sustainable for health systems. Terri's storyTerri Swain-Collins was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in 2021 after a screening test led to further investigation. Following treatment including surgery and chemotherapy, she was invited to join Dr Booth and Dr Courneya's clinical trial. During the trial, she worked closely with a physiotherapist to establish and maintain a fitness routine personalized to her needs. "One of the biggest benefits was having a semi-structured routine that works for my lifestyle with someone to hold me accountable," says Terri. "Simply being told to exercise by a physician wouldn't have been enough to get me to where I am today; having someone walk alongside me, guide me and check in regularly was what truly made it possible." Now, 3 years later, Terri continues to walk 3 times a week, feels fit and remains cancer-free. She says she is grateful for the impact of the program on her health and well-being. "By bridging the gap between bold ideas and routine practice, clinical trials are essential to driving research progress that can benefit patients," says Dr Stuart Edmonds, Executive Vice President, Mission, Research and Advocacy at CCS. "The results of this trial have the potential to save and improve lives for the tens of thousands of people in Canada affected by colorectal cancer each year, and we are proud our donors enabled us to support it." The international study co-chair was Dr Janette Vardy, from The University of Sydney (Australia) with funding from National Health and Medical Research Council. The UK team was led by Dr Victoria Coyle at Queen's University of Belfast, supported by Cancer Research UK. About the Canadian Cancer Society The Canadian Cancer Society works tirelessly to save and improve lives. We raise funds to fuel the brightest minds in cancer research. We provide a compassionate support system for all those affected by cancer, across Canada and for all types of cancer. Together with patients, supporters, donors and volunteers, we work to create a healthier future for everyone. Because to take on cancer, it takes all of us. It takes a society. Help us make a difference. Call 1-888-939-3333 or visit today. About the Canadian Cancer Trials Group The Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG) is a cancer clinical trials research cooperative that runs phase I–III trials to test anti-cancer and supportive therapies at over 85 hospitals and cancer centres across Canada. From their operations centre at Queen's University, CCTG has supported more than 600 trials enrolling 100,000 patients from 40 countries on 6 continents through a global network of 20,000 investigators and clinical trial staff. CCTG is the Canadian Coordinating Clinical Trial Network for the US NCTN and is a national program of the Canadian Cancer Society. CCTG's aim is to improve survival and quality of life for all people with cancer. Learn more at SOURCE Canadian Cancer Society (National Office) View original content:
