Bowel cancer (also known as colorectal cancer) is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in Australia, but did you know that exercise plays a vital role in bowel cancer treatment and recovery?
At The Active Studio, our Accredited Exercise Physiologists specialise in working with people with cancer, including those newly diagnosed with bowel cancer, undergoing treatment, or navigating life after surgery or chemotherapy. With the right guidance, exercise can help you feel stronger, reduce side effects, and improve long-term health outcomes.
“Exercise should be embedded as part of standard practice in cancer care and viewed as an adjunct therapy alongside surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.”
Why Exercise Is Important During Bowel Cancer Treatment
More than ever, the science is clear: exercise is a critical component of cancer care. A growing body of evidence shows that exercise during treatment improves energy, reduces side effects, and may even improve survival.
✅ Before treatment: Improves surgical outcomes, physical function, and mental readiness
✅ During treatment: Reduces fatigue, preserves muscle mass, improves tolerance to chemo/radiation
✅ After treatment: Restores strength, mobility, bowel control, and quality of life
✅ In survivorship: Reduces recurrence risk, improves cardiovascular health, and enhances wellbeing
🔬 Exercise Improves Treatment Outcomes
One of the most compelling reasons to exercise during bowel cancer treatment is that it may help your treatment work better.
Research shows that exercise improves circulation, oxygen delivery, immune regulation, and insulin sensitivity, all of which can make chemotherapy and radiation more effective.
- A 2019 review in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians found that exercise during chemotherapy improved treatment completion rates by up to 80%.
- Another study published in JAMA Oncology found that physically active cancer survivors had a 28% lower risk of cancer-specific mortality compared to inactive individuals.
- In short: your body may tolerate and respond better to cancer treatment if you’re moving regularly.
The Role of an Exercise Physiologist for Bowel Cancer
An Accredited Exercise Physiologist (EP) can design tailored exercise programs based on your treatment stage, goals, and any side effects you may be experiencing. This includes:
- Individualised assessments to understand your diagnosis, treatment plan, and current capacity
- Tailored programs to manage bowel cancer-specific challenges, including fatigue, bowel dysfunction, and pelvic floor changes
- Use exercise as medicine to improve the efficacy of treatment and improve the effectiveness of cancer treatments.
- Modifications for stoma care, neuropathy, or abdominal surgery
- A safe space for movement, guided by professionals who understand the complexity of cancer care
Worried about moving during treatment? You’re not alone, but rest assured, you don’t have to do it alone either. We often hear:
- “I’m too fatigued to exercise.” → We’ll adjust your program to meet you where you’re at.
- “I have a stoma or recent surgery.” → We’ll modify movements for safety and comfort.
- “I’m scared I’ll overdo it.” → That’s why we prescribe the right dose of movement.
Benefits of Exercise for People With Bowel Cancer
“If we could turn the benefits of exercise into a pill, it would be the most prescribed medication in oncology.”
- Reduces cancer-related fatigue
- Preserves muscle mass and physical function
- Improves bowel health, digestion, and abdominal strength
- Enhances mental health, sleep, and self-confidence
- Decreases risk of recurrence and other chronic conditions
- Supports long-term independence and quality of life
Our Exercise Physiologists understand these challenges and create evidence-based programs to help you overcome them with support every step of the way.
Ready to Feel Stronger After Bowel Cancer?
Our team of Exercise Physiologists in the Sutherland Shire, Sydney are here to support your recovery, whether you’re about to start chemo or you’re rebuilding after treatment. We’ll help you move with confidence, reclaim your strength, and thrive beyond cancer.
📍 In-person and Telehealth appointments available
📅 Book a consultation online
💙 Evidence-based, compassionate cancer care
Let’s move toward better health, together.
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👉 Learn more about Exercise Physiology for Cancer Support