New evidence has linked physical activity with improved colon health, underscoring the vital role of exercise in cancer prevention and care.

With the benefits rivaling some drugs, experts said cancer centers and insurance plans should consider making exercise coaching a new standard of care for colon cancer survivors. Until then, patients can increase their physical activity after treatment, knowing they are doing their part to prevent cancer from coming back.

An exercise programme for colon cancer patients can cut the risk of dying by a third, a major international trial shows. The researchers said it was "not a large amount" of exercise and any type of workout from swimming to salsa classes counted. The results could change the way colon cancer is treated around the world.