In just one session.. Exercise suppresses cancer cell growth
A new study shows that specific exercise may increase the production of anti-cancer proteins in the body, which may contribute to slowing the growth of cancer cells in women who survive breast cancer.
Researchers in Australia conducted
- a study that included 32 women
- approximately 59 years old
- who were receiving treatment
for breast cancer in stages one to three.
They underwent a single session of resistance exercise, such as weightlifting, or high-intensity interval training (HIIT), which involves short, intense bursts of exercise followed by short rest periods.
The results of
- the study showed a noticeable increase in "myokines"
- proteins secreted by muscles during exercise that
- work to communicate between
the muscles and the rest of the body, regulate metabolism and inhibit molecules that cause inflammation, which is a major factor in the formation of cancer cells.
After one 45-minute session
myokin IL-6 levels
- increased by 47% in the high-intensity interval training group
- while the resistance exercise group recorded a 23%
- increase in myokin decorin and 9% in IL-6.
Researchers :
- estimated that this increase
- could slow the growth of
- cancer cells by 20 to 30%.
Our results demonstrate anticancer effects
at the cellular level, which may explain why exercise reduces the risk of cancer progression, recurrence, and death," said Francesco Petarega, lead researcher on the study and a doctoral student at Edith Cowan University in Australia.
These results highlight how exercise can improve
the chances of survival in women with cancer.
The study also
- not the type of exercise itself, whether it was resistance
- training or high-intensity interval training.
The researchers highlighted that the results
despite the small sample size and its focus on one type of cancer
are promising and open the way for studying
the effect of regular and long-term exercise on other cancers, and the role of
the immune system in controlling the growth of cancer cells.
Exercise is one of
the most powerful natural methods that helps the body resist chronic diseases
especially cancer. Many studies have shown that engaging in regular physical
activity
strengthens the immune system
and enhances the body’s ability to fight cancer cells.
First
- exercise helps improve blood circulation
- and increases the supply of oxygen to cells
- reducing the environment in which cancer cells thrive.
It also boosts immune function and stimulates
the production of cells responsible for fighting infections and tumors.
Second
- regular exercise plays a key role in maintaining a healthy weight
- and balancing hormones, which lowers the risk of certain types of
- cancer such as breast and colon cancer.
Third, exercise
is an effective way to reduce stress and psychological pressure, both of which negatively affect the body’s response to treatment. Patients who practice simple activities like walking or yoga often report higher energy levels and greater motivation to continue their treatment journey.
Finally
exercise does not need to be intense or exhausting. Moderate activities such as brisk walking or cycling for just 30 minutes a day can make a significant difference in cancer prevention and in improving patients’ quality of life.
In short, exercise is not only a way to stay fit or entertained
but also a powerful weapon in both preventing and fighting cancer.