A groundbreaking new study has discovered that dedicating just ten minutes a day to vigorous exercise could provide a powerful defence against cancer. The research, led by scientists at Newcastle University, indicates that these short, intense bursts of physical activity can trigger rapid biological changes that may slow the progression of the disease.
The Science Behind the Sweat
Researchers found that vigorous exercise swiftly changes the composition of molecules in a person's bloodstream. These exercise-induced alterations appear to create an environment that hinders the growth of bowel cancer cells and, crucially, speeds up the repair of damaged DNA.
In a compelling laboratory experiment, scientists exposed bowel cancer cells to blood samples taken from participants after exercise. This blood, enriched with specific molecules released during physical exertion, prompted significant genetic changes in the cancer cells. Over 1,300 genes altered their activity, including those governing DNA repair, energy production, and the growth of cancerous cells.
Powerful Signals from a Single Session
The study, published in the International Journal of Cancer, involved 30 participants aged between 50 and 78. All subjects were classified as overweight or obese—a known cancer risk factor—but were otherwise healthy. Each completed a brief, intense cycling session lasting around ten minutes.
Analysis of 249 proteins in blood samples taken afterwards revealed that 13 proteins showed elevated levels post-exercise. One key protein was interleukin-6 (IL-6), which plays a vital role in restoring damaged DNA.
Dr Sam Orange, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Exercise Physiology and the study's principal investigator, explained the significance: "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."
He added, "One bout of exercise, lasting just 10 minutes, sends powerful signals to the body." This suggests that even a single, short workout can make a measurable difference, creating a more hostile environment for cancer cells to develop.
Future Implications and NHS Guidance
Dr Orange highlighted the exciting potential for future therapies: "It opens the door to find ways that mimic or augment the biological effects of exercise, potentially improving cancer treatment and, crucially, patient outcomes." This could lead to new treatments that imitate how exercise helps cells repair DNA and manage energy.
The findings align with existing NHS advice, which states that regular physical activity lowers the risk of bowel cancer, among other conditions. The health service recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week and notes that exercise can also reduce the risk of:
- Coronary heart disease and stroke
- Type 2 diabetes and breast cancer
- Depression and dementia
- Osteoarthritis and hip fractures
The NHS also emphasises that physical activity can boost mood, sleep quality, energy levels, and self-esteem while reducing stress. This new research from Newcastle University provides a compelling, time-efficient reason for everyone to incorporate more movement into their daily routine, reinforcing that every minute of exercise counts towards building a healthier future.
