Lay summary
Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of death in Aotearoa, with especially high rates in the Otago-Southland region. Chemotherapy is a key treatment but often causes unpleasant side effects. These can reduce a person’s ability to tolerate their treatment, making it less effective. Exercise during chemotherapy may reduce these side effects and improve treatment outcomes.
This research will begin by talking with people who have received or are receiving chemotherapy for colorectal cancer to understand what helps or prevents them from being active during treatment. We will use this information to develop a patient resource that supports safe physical activity during chemotherapy.
We will then test whether a supervised exercise programme during treatment is safe, manageable, and acceptable for people with colorectal cancer.
This research could lead to better support for patients during treatment, improved health outcomes, and a cost-effective way to improve cancer care across Aotearoa.