Exercise and Colon Cancer

Inclusion criteria

• histologically confirmed TNM stage II-III CC;
• completed surgical resection and adjuvant chemotherapy (if applicable) within 1-24 months before entering the study;
• ≤120 min/wk of self-reported moderate or vigorous intensity physical activity using the Paffenbarger physical activity questionnaire;
• age ≥18 years;
• written physician approval;
• no additional surgery planned within the 6-month intervention (including colostomy reversal);
• ability to walk unaided for 6-minutes;
• no contraindications to exercise using the PA readiness questionnaire (PAR-Q), unless physician approves participation with specific knowledge of this contraindication.

Exclusion criteria

• history of another primary invasive cancer (other than non-melanoma skin-cancer);
• evidence of metastatic CC (i.e., TNM M1);
• planning to receive any additional adjuvant chemotherapy;
• pregnant or breast feeding;
• unable to provide baseline blood sample;
• cardiac conditions, including the following:

• myocardial infarction or coronary revascularization procedure within prior 3 months;
• uncontrolled hypertension (systolic ≥180 mmHg or diastolic ≥100 mmHg);
• high-risk or uncontrolled arrhythmias;
• clinically significant valvular disease;
• decompensated heart failure;
• known aortic aneurysm;
• any other condition that may impede testing of the study hypothesis or make it unsafe to engage in the exercise program (determined by the investigative team).