New research from Edith Cowan University (ECU) is shedding light on how a single 30-minute workout could significantly impact cancer progression. According to the study, a short session of either resistance training or high intensity interval training (HIIT) may reduce cancer cell proliferation by up to 30 percent. This promising finding adds to a growing body of evidence supporting exercise as a powerful ally in cancer care.

The study, led by ECU PhD student Francesco Bettariga, focused on breast cancer survivors and examined the immediate effects of exercise on myokines—proteins released by muscles during physical activity. These myokines are known for their anti-cancer properties, and the research found that their levels increased following just one bout of exercise. This increase was linked to a 20 to 30 percent reduction in cancer cell growth in laboratory models, suggesting that even a single workout can have meaningful biological effects.

“Exercise has emerged as a therapeutic intervention in the management of cancer,” Bettariga said. He emphasized the importance of incorporating exercise during or after cancer treatment, noting that it is both safe and effective. What makes this study particularly compelling is its focus on breast cancer survivors, a group often affected by the long-term physiological impacts of cancer and its treatments. The research aimed to determine whether these individuals could still benefit from the same myokine response seen in healthy populations after vigorous exercise.

The results were encouraging. Both resistance training and HIIT led to elevated myokine levels immediately after exercise and 30 minutes later. This response suggests that survivors of breast cancer are capable of producing these beneficial proteins despite the physiological toll of their illness and treatments. I found this detail striking, as it underscores the adaptability and resilience of the human body, even after significant medical challenges.

Bettariga’s work also explored the longer-term implications of consistent exercise, particularly its effect on body composition and inflammation. Chronic inflammation is a known contributor to cancer recurrence and mortality. It promotes tumor progression by influencing cell proliferation, survival, and metastasis, while also compromising immune function. Given that both cancer and its treatments can elevate inflammatory markers, finding ways to mitigate inflammation is critical for long-term survivorship.

According to Bettariga, improving body composition through regular exercise—specifically by reducing fat mass and increasing lean mass—can help lower inflammation. Fat tissue is a source of both anti- and pro-inflammatory markers, so decreasing fat while preserving or building muscle creates a more favorable internal environment. This, in turn, may reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and improve overall outcomes.

It's important to note that the benefits observed in the study are not achievable through diet alone. Bettariga cautioned against relying on quick weight-loss methods that do not include physical activity. “You never want to reduce your weight without exercising,” he said. “You need to build or preserve muscle mass and produce these chemicals that you can't do through just diet alone.” This insight reinforces the idea that exercise is not just about weight management, but also about triggering specific biological responses that support health and recovery.

For survivors of breast cancer and potentially other forms of cancer, these findings offer a compelling reason to integrate exercise into their care routines. While more research is needed to understand the long-term effects of elevated myokine levels and their role in preventing cancer recurrence, the immediate benefits are clear. A short, intense workout can do more than boost mood or improve fitness—it may also help the body fight back against cancer.

In an era where personalized medicine is becoming the norm, incorporating individualized exercise programs into cancer treatment plans could be a valuable addition. As Bettariga’s research shows, the right kind of physical activity doesn’t just support general well-being; it may directly influence biological pathways involved in cancer growth and progression.

For those navigating life after cancer, this research offers hope and a practical tool for improving health outcomes. It also highlights the importance of further investigation into how consistent exercise influences inflammation, immune function, and cancer biology over time. As the scientific community continues to explore these connections, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: exercise is more than a lifestyle choice—it’s an essential component of cancer care.

Read more at sciencedaily.com