Exercise: A Powerful Ally in Cancer Prevention
As individuals return to fitness centers or embark on new exercise regimens, recent studies highlight that even brief, intense physical activity might help guard against cancer. Researchers suggest that just 10 minutes of vigorous exercise could potentially slow cancer progression.
The Impact of Exercise on Blood Chemistry
Research conducted at Newcastle University reveals that exercise significantly alters the composition of molecules in the bloodstream. These changes are linked to reduced inflammation, enhanced vascular health, and improved metabolic function.
When bowel cancer cells were exposed to blood enriched with these exercise-induced molecules, researchers noted substantial genetic alterations. Over 1,300 genes showed modified activity, including those related to DNA repair, energy metabolism, and cancer cell proliferation.
Published in the International Journal of Cancer, this research sheds light on how physical activity might reduce bowel cancer risk. Exercise appears to send molecular signals that affect genes responsible for tumor growth and genetic stability.
This study adds to the mounting evidence that maintaining an active lifestyle is crucial for cancer prevention.
Exploring New Avenues in Cancer Therapy
Dr. Sam Orange, a Senior Lecturer in Clinical Exercise Physiology at Newcastle University and the study’s lead author, remarked: “It’s fascinating that exercise not only benefits healthy tissues but also sends potent signals through the bloodstream that can influence thousands of genes in cancer cells.”
“This insight opens up possibilities for developing treatments that mimic or enhance the biological effects of exercise, potentially improving cancer therapies and patient outcomes.”
“In the future, these findings could lead to innovative therapies that replicate the positive effects of exercise on DNA repair and energy utilization.”
Cellular-Level Impact of Exercise on Cancer
The research team discovered that exercise boosts the activity of genes involved in mitochondrial energy metabolism, enhancing cells’ oxygen efficiency.
Simultaneously, genes associated with rapid cell division were downregulated, potentially reducing cancer cell aggressiveness. Post-exercise blood samples also showed increased DNA repair activity, particularly activating the PNKP repair gene.
The study involved 30 participants, both men and women aged 50 to 78, who were overweight or obese but otherwise healthy.
Participants completed a brief, intense cycling session lasting about 10 minutes. Blood samples were then analyzed, revealing an increase in 13 proteins, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), which is crucial for DNA repair.
The Significance of a Single Workout
Dr. Orange, a Clinical Exercise Physiologist at The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, stated: “These findings suggest that exercise not only benefits healthy tissues but also creates a less favorable environment for cancer cells.”
“Even a single workout can have a significant impact. A 10-minute session sends powerful signals throughout the body.”
“It’s a reminder that every step and every session matters in safeguarding your health.”
Bowel Cancer and the Role of Physical Activity
Bowel cancer ranks as the fourth most common cancer in the UK, following breast, prostate, and lung cancers.
In the UK, a new bowel cancer diagnosis occurs every 12 minutes, totaling nearly 44,000 cases annually. Tragically, someone succumbs to the disease every 30 minutes.
Experts estimate that regular physical activity can reduce bowel cancer risk by approximately 20%. Exercise doesn’t have to be limited to gym workouts or sports; activities like walking, cycling, gardening, or cleaning also contribute.
Looking forward, the research team plans to investigate whether repeated exercise sessions lead to lasting biological changes. They also aim to explore how exercise-related effects interact with conventional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
