How Exercise Can Help Fight Cancer

Cancer is a leading cause of death globally, but lifestyle factors like exercise may play a crucial role in curbing the risk.

A new study from researchers at Edith Cowan University in Australia reveals that even a single workout session can release cancer-fighting substances into the bloodstream.

Poll

What's your go-to workout time?

Morning

Afternoon

Evening

A Single Workout May Slow Cancer Cell Growth

The study, published in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, found that exercise prompts muscles to release proteins, known as myokines, which can help slow the growth of breast cancer cells.

In an experiment with 32 breast cancer survivors, researchers found that a 45-minute session of either resistance training or high-intensity interval training (HIIT) led to a surge of these messenger proteins.

When these myokines were applied to breast cancer samples in a lab, they suppressed the growth of cancer cells by up to 30 percent.

"The results from this study are excellent motivators to add exercise as standard care in the treatment of cancer," said lead author Francesco Bettariga.

GET HYROX RACE READY AT GYMNATION

How the Study Worked

Researchers tested participants' blood for myokines before exercise, immediately after, and 30 minutes later. One group performed resistance exercises like chest presses and leg presses, while the other group did HIIT on machines like treadmills and bikes.

Both types of workouts caused a short-term increase in three specific myokines: decorin, IL-6, and SPARC.

These proteins are released by muscles during exercise and are known to help with fat burning and reducing inflammation. This new research suggests they may also slow tumor growth.

TRY BOLLYNATION AT GYMNATION

Interestingly, the study found that even triple-negative breast cancer cells, which typically don't respond to hormone-based treatments, were slowed down by the exercise-induced myokines.

VINYASA YOGA CLASSES AT GYMNATION

While these findings are promising, the authors note that more research is needed to understand the long-term effects of these responses on cancer recurrence in survivors.

However, the study provides strong evidence that both resistance training and HIIT can produce immediate, anti-cancer effects in the body.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes

The opinions shared in the GymNation blog articles are solely those of the respective authors and may not represent the perspectives of GymNation or any member of the GymNation team.