A ten-minute burst of strenuous exercise releases bioactive molecules into the bloodstream that can directly reverse cancer cell growth.
New research again reinforces previous discoveries that bike riders cheat death every day as a result of our bodies' defences being stimulated by vigorous physical activity.
An international team of medical scientists led by Newcastle University in the UK has found short bursts of energetic activity can trigger rapid molecular changes in the bloodstream, shutting down bowel cancer growth and speeding up DNA damage repair.
Physical activity increased the concentration of molecules in the blood linked to reducing inflammation, improving blood vessel function and metabolism.
When these exercise-induced molecules were applied to bowel cancer cells in the lab, the activity of more than 1,300 genes was altered, including those involved in DNA repair, energy production, and cancer cell growth.
The findings were published in the International Journal of Cancer.
Dr Sam Orange, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Exercise Physiology at Newcastle University, who led the study, said: “What’s remarkable is that exercise doesn’t just benefit healthy tissues, it sends powerful signals through the bloodstream that can directly influence thousands of genes in cancer cells.
“It’s an exciting insight because it opens the door to find ways that mimic or augment the biological effects of exercise, potentially improving cancer treatment and, crucially, patient outcomes."
The Newcastle researchers found that exercise boosted the activity of genes that support mitochondrial energy metabolism, enabling cells to use oxygen more efficiently.
At the same time, genes linked to rapid cell growth were switched off, which could reduce the aggressiveness of cancer cells, and exercise-conditioned blood promoted DNA repair, activating a key repair gene called PNKP.
Dr Orange said exercise may also create a more hostile environment for cancer cells to grow.
“Even a single workout can make a difference. One bout of exercise, lasting just 10 minutes, sends powerful signals to the body.
“It’s a reminder that every step, every session, counts when it comes to doing your best to protect your health.”
It is estimated that physical activity reduces the risk of bowel cancer by approximately 20%.
In the future, the researchers plan to test whether repeated exercise sessions produce lasting changes and explore how these effects interact with standard cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
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