Physical activity is essential in the treatment of cancer. One activity would be particularly beneficial. It would act in just 10 minutes and is accessible to everyone.
Everyone knows the importance of regular physical activity for health. Moving is essential at all ages, but even more so as we age, when illnesses become more frequent. Among them, cancer. This disease, which has become chronic, is the subject of daily scientific publications. Both in prevention and in treatment and prolonging life. A new study published by the University of Newscastle (England) highlights the benefits of specific physical activity against the growth of cancer cells. Its effects could appear very quickly, in just 10 minutes.
“What is remarkable is that exercise not only benefits healthy tissues, it also sends powerful signals through the bloodstream that can directly influence thousands of genes in cancer cells” commented Dr Sam Orange, senior lecturer in clinical exercise physiology and author of the study. His team followed 30 volunteers, men and women aged 50 to 78, all overweight or obese (a risk factor for cancer) but otherwise healthy. All participated in a specific physical activity over a short but intense time lasting approximately 10 minutes. The researchers then took blood samples and analyzed 249 proteins. The level of thirteen proteins increased after exercise. These exercise-induced molecules were applied to intestinal cancer cells in the laboratory. The researchers then found that they modified the activity of more than 1,300 genes, notably those involved in DNA repair and the growth of cancer cells.
When DNA is damaged, errors appear. If they are not corrected, the cell may begin to multiply too quickly. This is the starting point for cancer. Repair genes act like a troubleshooting team. They correct the damage before the cell goes haywire and turns into cancer. At the same time, other genes slow down the growth of already cancerous cells. Result: the tumor progresses more slowly. The sports test carried out by the volunteers was cycling (biking, therefore). Researchers have shown that this physical exercise releases bioactive molecules into the blood capable of directly slowing the growth of cancer cells.
“This is an exciting discovery because it opens the door to finding ways to mimic or amplify the biological effects of exercise, which could improve cancer treatment and, importantly, patient outcomes.” reacted Dr Orange on the University website. “Even just one training session can make a difference, the scientist pointed out. A single exercise session, lasting just 10 minutes, sends powerful signals to the body. It reminds us that every step, every session, counts when it comes to doing your best to protect your health.”
The study was carried out on cancer cells grown in the laboratory, not on patients. “These results must now be reproduced in people with cancer, Dr. Orange said on FoxNews. We also need to better understand the long-term effects of repeated exercise cues over time.” In the meantime, like all doctors, he recommends moving: “Every time you move and get a little out of breath, you improve your health and you can influence biological processes linked to cancer. As a reminder, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends practicing at least 2.5 hours of moderate activity per week (brisk walking, leisurely cycling, gardening, etc.) or 1h15 of intense sport such as running or a team sport. The WHO recommends adding muscle strengthening twice a week (exercises with body weight, dumbbells, elastics or core).
