One workout may aid cancer patients' recovery

New Research Shows Exercise Can Play a Key Role in Cancer Treatment

Recent studies have highlighted the potential of exercise as a powerful tool in the fight against cancer. A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at Edith Cowan University (ECU) has revealed that even a single session of either resistance training or high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can lead to significant changes in the body that may help combat cancer.

The research, published in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, focused on the effects of exercise on myokines—proteins produced by muscles that have anti-cancer properties. The findings suggest that these myokines can reduce the growth of cancer cells by up to 20% to 30%.

Mr. Francesco Bettariga, a Ph.D. student at ECU, led the study and emphasized the growing role of exercise as a therapeutic intervention for cancer patients. He noted that there is substantial evidence supporting the safety and effectiveness of exercise as a form of medicine, both during and after cancer treatment.

In the study, breast cancer survivors were monitored before, immediately after, and 30 minutes following a single session of either resistance or HIIT training. The results showed that both forms of exercise significantly increased levels of myokines, which are known to have anti-cancer effects.

This finding was particularly important because it addressed whether breast cancer survivors would experience similar benefits as healthy individuals. Given the physical toll that cancer and its treatments can take on the body, it was crucial to determine if exercise could still yield positive outcomes.

"Both types of exercise were effective in producing these anti-cancer myokines in breast cancer survivors," said Mr. Bettariga. "These results are strong motivators for integrating exercise into standard cancer care."

While the immediate effects of a single workout are promising, Mr. Bettariga also pointed out the need for further research into the long-term implications of elevated myokine levels, especially regarding cancer recurrence.

Another study by Mr. Bettariga, published in the Journal of Cancer Survivorship, explored how consistent exercise can impact inflammation—a key factor in breast cancer recurrence and mortality. Chronic inflammation not only supports tumor progression but also weakens immune function. Cancer survivors often face higher levels of inflammatory biomarkers due to the disease itself and its treatments.

"To reduce the risk of cancer progression and recurrence, strategies must be developed to lower inflammation," said Mr. Bettariga. "Creating a less supportive environment for cancer can lead to better outcomes for survivors."

The study found that improving body composition through regular exercise—specifically reducing fat mass and increasing lean mass—can significantly decrease inflammation. This is because lean muscle mass helps regulate the release of both pro- and anti-inflammatory markers.

However, Mr. Bettariga cautioned against quick fixes for weight loss. He stressed that losing weight without incorporating exercise can lead to muscle loss, which hinders the production of beneficial myokines.

"You should never try to lose weight without exercising," he said. "Building or preserving muscle mass is essential for producing the chemicals that support cancer prevention and treatment."

These findings underscore the importance of integrating structured exercise programs into cancer care. As more research emerges, the role of physical activity in managing and preventing cancer will likely become an integral part of treatment protocols.