Can a single workout stop cancer? Here is what new study suggests
The study, published in the journal Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, explored how exercise affects cancer at a cellular level. It revealed that working out triggers important changes in the body, including a stronger immune system and the release of substances that help suppress the growth of cancer cells.
Interestingly, the researchers noted that extreme fitness routines aren't necessary to see benefits. Even moderate exercise can have a positive impact. 'Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women, highlighting the need for strategies to mitigate recurrence and mortality. We examined the effects of a single bout of resistance training (RT) versus high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on anti-cancer myokines and in vitro cancer cell suppression,' the study stated.
The researchers added, 'A single bout of RT or HIIT can increase levels of anti-cancer myokines and reduce the growth of MDA-MB-231 cells in vitro in survivors of breast cancer, potentially contributing to a lower risk of recurrence. This highlights the importance of exercise as a treatment with promising anti-cancer effects.'
Resistance training (RT), also known as strength training, involves building muscle using weights, resistance bands, or bodyweight exercises. Common examples include squats, push-ups, lunges, planks, and bicep curls. While it strengthens the body, it also boosts metabolism, protects joints, and may reduce the risk of certain cancers.
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), on the other hand, consists of short bursts of intense activity followed by brief rest periods. For example, one might do 30 seconds of jumping jacks, rest for 15 seconds, then perform 30 seconds of burpees. Other HIIT moves include mountain climbers, high knees, jump squats, or sprinting in intervals.
When people think of lowering their cancer risk, they often consider eating well, quitting smoking, or avoiding too much sun exposure. But regular physical activity is another powerful and often overlooked tool.
Exercise supports the immune system, reduces inflammation, and helps manage body weight and hormone levels—especially oestrogen and insulin, which are linked to certain cancers when unbalanced.
And it doesn't take much. Research suggests that just 30 minutes of exercise a day, five times a week, can significantly improve health. Even short walks after meals can be beneficial.
In fact, the study highlights that a single workout can slow cancer cell growth by up to 30%.
Exercise isn't just about losing weight or staying fit—it's one of the most natural and effective ways to reduce your risk of cancer. Whether it's walking your dog, riding a bike, or dancing around the kitchen, every bit of movement helps. You don't need expensive equipment or hours at the gym—just keep moving.
Because as the science shows, even one workout can make a difference.
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Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Breast Cancer Prevention: THIS one exercise could slash the risk of breast cancer; Study finds
Breast cancer, one of the most aggressive cancers in the world, is a disease where malignant cells form in the breast tissue, most commonly in the ducts or lobules. It's the second most common cancer in women in the US and can also affect men, though rarely. It is the most commonly diagnosed cancer globally and is the leading cause of cancer death in women. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), in 2022, there were an estimated 2.3 million new cases of breast cancer diagnosed worldwide, resulting in approximately 670,000 deaths. In 2025, it's estimated that approximately 316,950 women in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, along with 2,800 men. It remains a significant global health concern, as approximately 2.3 million new cases of breast cancer are expected worldwide, with a substantial number of deaths attributed to the disease. The global burden is projected to rise, with the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) estimating 3.2 million new cases and 1.1 million deaths annually by 2050 if current trends continue. 8 Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer Besides a Lump But imagine a simple daily routine, one powerful exercise, that could dramatically lower your risk of breast cancer! A new study is showing hope, with nothing but just 45 minutes of exercise! Read on to know more. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like She Was Everyone's Dream Girl In 90's, This Is Her Now The Latest Article Undo What the study says The new study suggests, a single workout might do more than improve fitness by activating the body's own cancer-fighting forces. Published in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment , in the new study of 32 breast cancer survivors, researchers found that a 45-minute session of either resistance training or high-intensity interval training (HIIT) led to a rapid increase in special proteins called myokines. In lab tests, these proteins slowed the growth of breast cancer cells by up to 30%. 'The results from the study show that both types of exercise really work to produce these anti-cancer myokines in breast cancer survivors,' said lead author Francesco Bettariga, an exercise researcher at Edith Cowan University in Australia, as reported by Science Alert. He added, 'The results from this study are excellent motivators to add exercise as standard care in the treatment of cancer.' What the researchers did Participants were split into two workout groups: Resistance training: chest presses, seated rows, shoulder presses, lat pulldowns, leg presses, leg extensions, leg curls, and lunges. HIIT: sessions on the stationary bike, treadmill, rowing machine, and cross-trainer. Blood samples were taken before exercise, immediately after, and 30 minutes later. In both groups, researchers saw a short-term spike in three key myokines: decorin, IL-6, and SPARC. What are myokines (and why do they matter) Myokines are messenger proteins released by skeletal muscles during exercise. They help with muscle repair, fat burning, and reducing inflammation. But here's the exciting part: previous research has shown that myokines can also slow tumor growth. Until now, most of this evidence came from lab and animal studies, and it wasn't clear if the same effect could happen in cancer survivors. Even aggressive cancer cells responded One surprising finding involved triple-negative breast cancer cells. These cells lack hormone receptors and are usually unaffected by hormonal changes from exercise. Yet Bettariga's team found that myokines from both workouts still reduced their growth in lab tests. 'Our findings demonstrate that both resistance training and high-intensity interval training elicit acute changes in circulating myokines and reduced cancer cell growth, which may contribute to proposed biological pathways involved in cancer control,' the authors explained. 'However, further research is needed to determine the long-term relevance of these responses for disease recurrence in breast cancer survivors.' What is HIIT? Think of it like an exercise with short bursts of vigorous activity: small time, big impact. HIIT, or High-Intensity Interval Training, is a workout method that alternates between short, intense bursts of exercise and brief recovery periods. It's a time-efficient way to improve cardiovascular fitness, burn calories, and boost metabolism. HIIT workouts typically involve activities like sprinting, jumping, or weightlifting at a fast pace, followed by periods of rest or low-intensity activity. Examples of HIIT workouts include sprinting, burpees, mountain climbers, jumping jacks, and squat jumps, often combined with periods of jogging or rest. HIIT workouts can be tailored to various fitness levels and can be performed with or without equipment, such as stationary bikes, treadmills, or bodyweight exercises. HIIT workouts work by rapidly increasing your heart rate during the intense intervals and then allowing it to come down during the recovery periods. This process challenges your cardiovascular system and can lead to improved heart health, increased calorie burn, and enhanced metabolism. Why this could change cancer care This research adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting exercise could be more than just a safe activity for cancer survivors; it might be part of the treatment itself. While this study only looked at short-term effects, the results raise important questions: Could regular exercise help keep cancer from returning? Could it make other treatments more effective? The takeaway for cancer survivors For now, experts recommend including some form of physical activity, whether it's strength training, HIIT, or even brisk walking, into weekly routines. Not only does it improve overall health, but as this study suggests, it could also activate hidden cancer-fighting abilities in the body. Benefits of eating nuts for breast cancer survivors
Time of India
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Govt arms people with meds to make state filariasis free by 27
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Hans India
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- Hans India
Yogi govt targets filariasis-free UP by 2027, launches eradication drive
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