A groundbreaking international clinical trial has revealed that a structured exercise regimen after cancer treatment can significantly lower the risk of recurrence and overall mortality, equaling—and even surpassing—the impact of conventional pharmaceutical therapies. This new research, presented at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) conference and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, has rapidly shifted medical opinion and could transform after-care protocols for cancer survivors around the world, including those in Thailand.
According to the study, colon cancer patients who followed a personalized, coached exercise plan after completing chemotherapy and surgery saw a 28% lower risk of their cancer returning or developing into a new cancer, as well as a striking 37% reduction in death from any cause over an eight-year follow-up period, compared to those who received only standard healthy lifestyle advice. These benefits are on par with—and in some cases exceed—those achieved by expensive and side-effect-prone cancer drugs, yet come with all of the well-known perks of physical fitness and are virtually free for patients to implement (The Guardian, Mindbodygreen, AP News).
This research matters enormously to Thai readers. Cancer remains one of the top causes of death in Thailand, with colorectal and other cancers on the rise, especially among aging populations in both rural and urban areas (Thailand National Cancer Institute). Post-treatment survivorship is an increasingly important phase as more Thais survive initial diagnoses thanks to improvements in early detection and therapies. However, the challenge of cancer recurrence and secondary health complications looms large. The newly proven role of regular exercise not just as a general wellness activity, but as a targeted, medically endorsed intervention, could change the landscape of recovery and long-term health for millions of Thais.
The study, which enrolled 889 colon cancer patients from the US, UK, Australia, France, Canada, and Israel, was meticulous in its design. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a generic pamphlet of healthy lifestyle advice or to participate in a structured, three-year exercise program. The latter included monthly or twice-monthly sessions with a personal trainer, plus individualized goal-setting for moderate physical activities such as brisk walking, cycling, or even local activities like kayaking or community aerobics classes. The diversity in physical activities meant participants could adapt to cultural and environmental preferences—a factor highly relevant for Thai lifestyles, from muay Thai boxing and communal park aerobics in Bangkok to rural cycling and temple walks during local festivals.
Notably, this is the first randomized controlled trial to conclusively demonstrate that exercise directly reduces cancer recurrence and boosts survival, moving beyond previous studies that relied on observational data, which while promising, could not irrefutably establish cause and effect. “It’s the same magnitude of benefit of many drugs that get approved for this kind of magnitude of benefit—28% decreased risk of recurrence, 37% decreased risk of death. Drugs get approved for less than that, and they’re expensive and they’re toxic,” said the chief medical officer of ASCO during the conference. “I would say [exercise is] better than a drug” (The Guardian).
The clinical implications are immense. Leading researchers and oncologists involved in the study, such as those affiliated with Queen’s University in Canada and collaborators across national cancer organizations, stress that exercise interventions are accessible, cost-effective, and empower patients during a vulnerable period of their recovery. “This is about as high a quality of evidence as you can get,” noted the ASCO chief medical officer, underscoring the strength of the findings and the expectation that exercise recommendations will now become standard in oncological guidelines worldwide (AP News).
In practical terms, patients in the exercise group were encouraged to achieve at least 150–180 minutes of moderate physical activity each week—the equivalent of three to four brisk walks, each lasting 45 to 60 minutes. Crucially, it wasn’t about intense gym workouts, but about consistency, sustainability, and adapting to individual abilities and preferences. Many patients reported not only fewer cancer recurrences but also improved overall wellness, including better mood, energy, sleep, and quality of life (Mindbodygreen).
Biologically, exercise helps in multiple ways. Regular physical activity is known to lower systemic inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, and boost immune system surveillance—all factors associated with reduced cancer risk. Exercise also supports healthy hormone regulation and enhances circulation, which may slow tumor growth and improve the body’s ability to recover after treatment (ACSM). Some studies suggest exercise may also support cardiovascular and neurological health in cancer survivors, who are often vulnerable to long-term complications from chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Relevant for Thai oncologists, family doctors, and policymakers, these findings align with international efforts by cancer societies—including the American College of Sports Medicine and emerging groups like the International Society of Exercise Oncology—to integrate structured exercise into routine cancer care (ACSM). In many Thai hospitals, including major cancer centers and regional hospitals, rehabilitation services are already expanding; this research points to the need for systematic exercise coaching and potentially for partnerships with physical therapists, trainers, or even temple-based wellness programs to make such support universally accessible.
Historically, Thai cancer survivors faced limitations in accessing post-treatment rehabilitation, particularly outside of urban centers. Traditional advice often emphasized rest and spiritual healing, but the new research offers a modern evidence base for integrating movement into that cultural framework, highlighting a complementary approach uniting modern medicine and cultural values. For example, meditation walks in temple courtyards, local dance, or gardening can fit naturally into daily Thai life and count toward exercise goals, provided they meet recommended intensity and duration.
Looking ahead, the study’s authors are calling for similar trials examining exercise in other cancer types, such as breast and prostate cancer, where initial observations suggest similar benefits. The ultimate goal is to make coached, culturally adapted exercise prescriptions an integral part of cancer after-care, supported by insurers and public healthcare systems. In Thailand, this could mean new training for healthcare workers, investment in community-based programs, and expanded insurance coverage for rehabilitation services.
For Thai readers facing cancer or caring for loved ones, the bottom line is both empowering and actionable: structured, regular exercise—tailored to individual ability and preference—can be as powerful as advanced medical therapies in preventing recurrence and prolonging life. As always, patients are urged to consult their healthcare provider before starting any new physical activity, especially during or shortly after intensive cancer treatment, to avoid injury and ensure safety.
For Thailand’s health sector, this research prompts a reevaluation: hospitals and cancer centers, both public and private, are encouraged to develop or strengthen exercise-based rehabilitation and survivorship programs. Family and community support networks can play a vital role—whether by organizing group walks or encouraging active participation in cultural activities that promote movement.
In sum, the verdict is clear and globally recognized: movement is not just medicine, but a prescription with life-saving power for cancer survivors. It’s time to lace up trainers, stretch, and become proactive participants in recovery—the science, and stories from fellow survivors, suggest it really does make a difference.