What if exercise could do more than help you feel stronger and fitter after bowel cancer treatment?
Exciting research has highlighted the potential for structured exercise to play an important role in improving long-term outcomes following bowel cancer. Bowel Cancer New Zealand has taken this research and created a free* programme delivered across New Zealand (*for eligible participants).
The CHALLENGE trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that people who took part in a structured, three-year exercise programme following surgery and chemotherapy for bowel cancer had a 28% lower risk of cancer recurrence or death compared with those who received health education materials alone.
What is the CHALLENGE programme in NZ?
CHALLENGE is a three-year, physiotherapist-led programme designed to help people rebuild their physical fitness, develop confidence in exercise and establish sustainable activity habits following bowel cancer treatment. There are clinicians across NZ who are providing this and I am providing it in Botany, Auckland. This is a free service to the eligible participants.
It is about much more than simply being given an exercise plan. The programme combines:
Individualised exercise prescription: Exercise tailored to your current fitness, abilities, treatment history and goals.
Supervised exercise sessions: Practical guidance to help you exercise safely, improve your fitness and progressively build strength and endurance.
Ongoing behavioural support: Regular sessions to work through barriers, set realistic goals, maintain motivation and develop lasting exercise habits.
Progress monitoring: Regular assessments to track improvements in fitness and physical function, celebrate progress and guide your exercise programme.
The programme is delivered in three phases over 3 years, with more frequent support during the first six months before gradually transitioning towards independent, sustainable exercise.
Who is it for?
The programme is designed for people who have been diagnosed with Stage II or Stage III bowel or rectal cancer and have completed chemotherapy within the past five months.
You don't need to be particularly fit or already exercising regularly to take part. Your programme is individualised to your starting point, and we work together to build your capacity progressively.
Why work with a cancer rehabilitation physiotherapist?
Recovering from bowel cancer treatment can bring a range of challenges, including fatigue, reduced strength, loss of fitness, neuropathy and changes to your physical confidence.
As a physiotherapist experienced in cancer rehabilitation, my role is to understand these challenges and help you navigate your return to exercise. We'll look at where you're starting from, what you would like to achieve and how to safely progress towards those goals.
Whether that means getting back to walking regularly, returning to the activities you enjoy, improving your strength or simply feeling more confident in your body again, the programme provides structure, guidance and ongoing support along the way.
Referring a patient or finding out more
If you have bowel cancer you could be eligible.
If you are an oncologist, surgeon, oncology nurse, GP or other health professional, early identification of eligible patients following chemotherapy helps ensure they don't miss the opportunity to participate.
To find out more about the Challenge programme and how to apply or refer head to Bowel cancer NZ
If you have any questions about the service I provide please get in touch,
Rachael Kingstone
Oncology Physiotherapist
Lymphoedema Therapist