The Strength Squad
Programs
The Strength Squad
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer globally and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths.
Standard treatments like surgery and chemotherapy are effective but often come with side effects that impact quality of life.
A collaboration between three passionate entities (Impatient Advocacy – A Nicole Cooper Foundation, The Thompson Family Endowment Fund and The Exercise Physiology Group), the Strength Squad was born out of a passion to expose Early Onset Colorectal Cancer Patients to the protective power of exercise in managing side effects, boosting mood and improving quality of life through treatment and wildly improving survival rates post-treatment.
How Exercise Improves Outcomes for Colorectal Cancer Patients
Exercise is increasingly recognised as a crucial component of best practice care for colorectal cancer patients during treatment, counteracting the typical side-effects of common treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how exercise helps, categorised by its physical and psychological benefits, along with important safety considerations.
Counteracting Treatment Side Effects & Improving Physical Function
This is where the most direct benefits are seen. Exercise acts as a targeted intervention against common side effects.
Reduces Cancer-Related Fatigue (CRF)
This is the most common and debilitating side effect of cancer treatment. Unlike normal tiredness, CRF isn’t fully relieved by rest.
How it helps:
Exercise improves the efficiency of the cardiovascular system, increases muscle strength, and reduces inflammation. It helps the body better manage the physical stress of treatment, leading to significantly higher energy levels.
Preserves Muscle Mass and Strength
Treatments, especially chemotherapy and periods of inactivity, can cause muscle wasting (cachexia) and weakness.
How it helps:
Resistance training (e.g., hand weights, resistance bands) directly stimulates muscle protein synthesis, counteracting this breakdown. This is vital for maintaining the strength needed for daily activities and recovery.
Supports Post-Surgical Recovery
For patients who have had colon resection surgery.
How it helps:
Gentle, progressive exercise (guided by an Exercise Physiologist) can improve circulation, reduce the risk of blood clots, prevent pneumonia by improving lung function, and help regulate bowel function.
Mitigates Neuropathy
Chemotherapy can cause peripheral neuropathy—numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands and feet.
How it helps:
Any exercise that stimulates the neural pathways is important, but in particular, balance exercises can help improve stability and reduce fall risk. Certain exercises may also help improve nerve function and circulation.
Improves Physical Function and Mobility
Surgery can affect core strength and mobility, while general fatigue can lead to a sedentary lifestyle.
How it helps:
A combination of aerobic and strength exercises helps patients maintain their ability to perform daily tasks (walking, climbing stairs, carrying groceries), which supports independence and quality of life.
Psychological and Emotional Benefits
The mental health challenges of a cancer diagnosis and treatment are profound, and exercise is a powerful tool to address them.
Reduces Anxiety and Depression
Exercise is a proven mood booster. It releases endorphins (natural “feel-good” chemicals), reduces stress hormones like cortisol, and provides a sense of accomplishment.
Improves Quality of Life and Mood
Being active can help patients regain a sense of control over their bodies, which can feel absent during treatment. It can improve self-esteem and reduce feelings of helplessness.
Provides Social Support
Participating in group exercise classes (in-person or online) designed for cancer patients can reduce feelings of isolation and provide a community of support.
The Power of Exercise in Colorectal Cancer Recovery
A landmark 15-year study reveals that structured exercise after treatment can significantly improve long-term survival and reduce recurrence risk.
Key Findings: Exercise as a Lifesaving Intervention
The study followed nearly 900 colorectal cancer patients who had undergone surgery and chemotherapy. Participants were divided into two groups:
- Exercise group: Engaged in structured workouts
- Control group: Received general health advice
Over 10 years of follow-up,
the results were striking:
28% reduction in cancer recurrence or death
—equivalent to cutting risk by nearly one-third.
Long-term protection
Survival benefits became evident after 4 years and continued to grow over time.
Improved metabolic health
Better insulin sensitivity, reduced inflammation, and enhanced physical function.
37% lower risk of death from any cause
matching the benefits of some chemotherapy drugs—but without toxic side effects.
How Exercise Enhances Quality of Life
Beyond survival benefits, patients reported:
✔ Increased energy for daily activities (walking, climbing stairs)
✔ Greater mobility and independence, reducing reliance on caregivers
✔ Improved mental resilience, with many describing exercise as a way to “regain control” after cancer
Enrolment
Enrolling in The Strength Squad Program
Starting a new routine at any stage of treatment can feel overwhelming. At The EP Group, we specialise in personalised exercise plans tailored to your recovery needs—whether you’re managing fatigue, treatment side effects, or other comorbidities.
Any early onset colorectal cancer patient undergoing treatment can Register and apply for the program. An oncologist or cancer nurse can submit a referral, or if Registering as a self-referral, you will need to provide details of your treating specialist during the Registration process.