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10 Min Exercise Fights Bowel Cancer Growth
1 Jan
Summary
- Ten minutes of intense exercise can stop bowel cancer growth.
- Exercise rapidly repairs DNA damage in cancer cells.
- Bowel cancer cases surge by 50% in under-50s.
- Physical activity cuts bowel cancer death risk by 37%.
Recent scientific findings indicate that even a brief 10-minute exercise session can significantly impact bowel cancer. Researchers discovered that intense physical activity, such as cycling, rapidly alters blood composition. These changes boost proteins linked to reduced inflammation and improved metabolism. When these exercise-induced molecules were applied to bowel cancer cells in a lab setting, they enhanced DNA repair genes and halted cancer cell growth. This offers a potential explanation for how exercise protects against the disease.
The study involved 30 overweight or obese men who underwent a 10-12 minute cycling test. Blood samples taken before and after revealed an increase in 13 key proteins. Lead author Dr. Sam Orange highlighted that these signals directly influence cancer cell genes, creating a more hostile environment for tumor growth. He emphasized that even a single workout can be impactful, underscoring the value of consistent physical activity for health protection.
Further reinforcing these findings, a global trial showed that bowel cancer patients who adopted an exercise program reduced their risk of death by over a third. Just 20 minutes of daily exercise proved as effective as medication in slashing the risk of dying from bowel cancer. Experts recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly, alongside a healthy diet and lifestyle, to reduce bowel cancer risk.
