How much should I walk during colon cancer treatment

October 5, 2026Navis AI

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For informational purposes only

This answer was generated by AI grounded in NCCN guidelines and published medical literature. It is not medical advice. Always consult your oncologist or care team before making treatment decisions.

Sources & medical oversight

Built by OpenCancer’s team of physician-scientists and cancer survivors.
Last updated October 5, 2026. Informational only — not a substitute for your oncology team.

Walking During Colon Cancer Treatment

Great question—exercise during cancer treatment is an important part of your care plan, and walking is an excellent, accessible option.

General Exercise Recommendations During Active Treatment

According to ASCO (American Society of Clinical Oncology) and The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the standard recommendation during active cancer treatment is:

Up to 90 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (like brisk walking), combined with resistance training twice weekly.

However, this is a general guideline, not a one-size-fits-all prescription.

The Reality: Personalize to YOUR Situation

Research from cancer exercise specialists emphasizes that every patient is different. Your walking plan should account for:

Your current energy level (cancer-related fatigue is real and common)
Your treatment stage (early vs. late in your treatment cycle)
Your overall health and fitness before diagnosis
How treatment is affecting you (side effects, nausea, etc.)

As Dr. [removed] Schmitz, PhD, MPH (UPMC Hillman Cancer Center) explains: "The goal is to avoid being completely sedentary and gradually increase activity as tolerated. The biggest benefit comes from going from doing nothing to doing something, so even small steps are valuable."

Practical Approach: Start Small and Adjust

If 90 minutes feels overwhelming:

Start with what you can manage—even 5-10 minutes of walking is beneficial
Walk earlier in the day when energy is typically better
Monitor the "opportunity cost": If 30 minutes of walking means you're exhausted for hours, reduce to 10-15 minutes
Gradually increase as your energy improves

Special Consideration for Colon Cancer

The CHALLENGE trial (mentioned in ASCO guidelines) showed that Stage 2 and 3 colon cancer patients who engaged in exercise after treatment had significant improvements in disease-free and overall survival. This suggests exercise matters for your specific cancer type.

Questions to Ask Your Oncology Team

Given my current treatment plan, what's a realistic walking goal for me right now?
Should I adjust my walking on days I receive chemotherapy or other treatments?
Are there any physical limitations I should know about? (e.g., port placement, neuropathy)
Should I work with an exercise specialist or physical therapist?
How will we know if I'm doing the right amount? (too little vs. too much)

Tools That Can Help

The Cancer Exercise app (available on Android and Apple) was developed by nursing scientist Anna Schwartz and helps you:

Track changes in your fatigue levels
Identify the best time of day for you to walk
Understand the energy cost of activity so you can adjust appropriately

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare team for personalized medical advice and decisions.

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