Bowel Cancer New Zealand, in partnership with the Cancer Rehabilitation Foundation (PINC & STEEL), has today launched CHALLENGE: Movement for Life – a fully funded supported recovery exercise programme for people with stage 2 and stage 3 bowel cancer.
The programme is based on the international CHALLENGE research trial published in 2025, which showed that supporting patients to safely build and maintain regular physical activity following treatment improves long-term survival, health and recovery outcomes.
Participants begin the programme within six months of completing chemotherapy and are supported over three years through a structured, evidence-based approach delivered by experienced cancer rehabilitation physiotherapists.
Bowel Cancer New Zealand Chief Executive Peter Huskinson says the programme is an important step forward in bowel cancer treatment.
The CHALLENGE trial found that a structured exercise programme after bowel cancer treatment reduces the risk of cancer recurrence and improves long-term survival. When the results were published, we knew we needed to invest and do everything we could to make this available for people with bowel cancer in Aotearoa.
The Cancer Rehabilitation Foundation (PINC & STEEL), which already delivers physiotherapy services we support, were the ideal partner to help design and deliver this programme so it can be accessed more widely over time.
The programme includes:
- Individualised assessment and tailored exercise planning
- Ongoing support from a dedicated cancer rehabilitation physiotherapist
- Regular supervised physical activity sessions
- Support to help build and maintain healthy activity habits
- Group classes to support peer connection and motivation
- Online and in-person options to improve accessibility
- A wearable fitness tracker to support progress and motivation
- Personalised plans reviewed and adapted over time
CHALLENGE: Movement for Life is delivered for Bowel Cancer New Zealand through the national network of cancer rehabilitation physiotherapists led by the Cancer Rehabilitation Foundation (PINC & STEEL).
Founder and Chief Executive, Lou James, says the programme is about translating strong, international evidence into real-world recovery.
Exercise is one of the most powerful tools we have in cancer recovery, but it’s not just about starting, it’s about sustaining it. This programme ensures people receive the right dose of supported exercise over time, which is what we know makes a meaningful difference to long-term health and survival outcomes.
Bowel Cancer New Zealand is committed to advocating for supported recovery exercise to become a standard part of care for people affected by bowel cancer in the future.
General Practitioner and bowel cancer survivor Anne Mathieson says programmes like this are vital for enhancing recovery.
I’ve seen first-hand, both in my patients as a GP and through my own bowel cancer experience, the difference that staying active after treatment can make. Often the hardest part is maintaining that over time, so having a structured, supported programme like this is incredibly valuable. It’s exciting to see strong evidence showing this approach improves outcomes, and it has the potential to be life-changing for many people.
CHALLENGE: Movement for Life is now being delivered in Auckland, with initial delivery across eight community-based physiotherapy locations. The programme will continue to roll out, with plans to expand access across Aotearoa later in 2026.
The programme has been made possible through the generous support of Bowel Cancer New Zealand’s donors and fundraising community, including the organisation’s record-breaking Move Your Butt campaign.
Patients can learn more about CHALLENGE: Movement for Life, check eligibility, or apply by visiting bowelcancernz.org.nz/challenge or speaking with their oncology team.