Impact of physical activity on fatigue and quality of life in non-metastatic colorectal cancer

January 2026 

Results from the International ColoCare Study were presented at this year’s ASCO GI Symposium and found that greater levels of physical activity in the first 2 years after a colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis were linked to reduced cancer-related fatigue and improved quality of life in patients with non-metastatic CRC.  

Researchers followed more than 1,700 people with colorectal cancer from diagnosis through two years of recovery, asking them about their physical activity levels and how they were feeling over time. Among patients with nonmetastatic disease (i.e. stages I-III), those who were more physically active consistently reported less fatigue and better quality of life. Walking stood out as the activity most strongly linked to these benefits, particularly during the first year after diagnosis, when fatigue is often most challenging. 

People who maintained higher levels of activity over time continued to feel better even two years after diagnosis, suggesting that the benefits of movement are long lasting. Short-term increases in activity, however, did not appear to make a meaningful difference. This highlights the importance of building steady, sustainable habits rather than aiming for brief bursts of exercise. 

Walking may be especially helpful because it is simple, low risk, does not require special equipment, and can easily be woven into daily life. As study author Dr. Louisa Liu noted, something as simple as walking made a meaningful difference in how patients felt during recovery. 

For people with metastatic colorectal cancer, the study did not find the same long-term link between physical activity and reduced fatigue or improved quality of life. These patients reported higher levels of fatigue overall, likely due to ongoing treatment and physical limitations. Researchers emphasized that more targeted studies are needed to better understand how to support fatigue management in this group. 

Overall, the findings suggest that for people with nonmetastatic colorectal cancer, regular movement, especially walking, can play an important role in recovery, helping to reduce fatigue and improve quality of life when practiced consistently over time.