Short bursts of activity could help protect against the fourth most common cancer in the UK
Bowel cancer is the UK’s fourth most common cancer (Image: PA)
Scientists have revealed that just 10 minutes of intense exercise could help fight bowel cancer. A new study has found that short bursts of physical activity could slow down the progression of the disease.
Researchers from Newcastle University looked at the effects of short, intense cycling workouts on small molecules in the blood linked to reducing inflammation, improving blood vessel function, and metabolism.
The study found these short bursts of exercise can trigger changes in the blood that stop bowel cancer growth and speed up the repair of DNA damage. Experts hope the findings could help to improve cancer treatment.
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.
“In the future, these insights could lead to new therapies that imitate the beneficial effects of exercise on how cells repair damaged DNA and use fuel for energy.”
Short bursts of exercise could slow down cancer growth(Image: PA)
Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, after breast, prostate and lung. It is estimated that physical activity reduces the risk of the disease by around 20 per cent.
Experts say this includes activities like going to the gym, playing sports, walking or biking, but also household tasks like gardening or cleaning.
The latest study looked at 30 volunteers between the ages of 50 and 78, all overweight or obese – a risk factor of cancer – but otherwise healthy. After completing a short, intense cycling test lasting approximately 10 minutes, researchers collected blood samples and analysed 249 proteins.
Intense cycling workouts could protect the body against cancer(Image: Getty Images)
The researchers found that exercise boosted the activity of genes that support mitochondrial energy metabolism, which enables cells to use oxygen more efficiently. Genes linked to rapid cell growth were also switched off, which could reduce the aggressiveness of cancer cells.
Dr Orange said: “These results suggest that exercise doesn’t just benefit healthy tissues, it 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.”
The study was published in the International Journal of Cancer.