Can Training Slow Cancer Growth? What the Latest Study Found

Early detection and stopping the growth of cancer have long been key topics in health discussions. Early detection of cancer enhances the effectiveness of treatment, and it is essential to prevent further propagation of cancer to increase survival chances. But what then would happen should something as easy as exercise help in reducing the rate of cancer growth? A recent study by Edith Cowan University in Australia provides promising information regarding this possibility. Read ahead to know how exercise programs can be used in the war on cancer.

Exercise as Medicine in Cancer Care

Scientists have been studying exercise not just as a way to stay fit, but as a powerful tool to support cancer treatment. When muscles are exercised, proteins, known as myokines, are released, and these are anti-cancerous. These proteins are able to form an environment within the body which assists in retarding the growth of tumours and even combat cancerous cells.

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The Latest Study and Its Findings

The new study, led by Francesco Bettariga from Edith Cowan University, looked at breast cancer survivors. Resistance training or high-intensity interval training (HIIT) was administered to the participants in one session. The researchers included myokine measurements at the pre-exercise, after exercise and 30 minutes of exercise.

The findings indicated the existence of a distinct spike in myokines following a workout, indicating the rapid reaction of the body to exercise. What was more positive was that these myokines were able to bring the growth of the breast cancer cells down by 20 to 30 per cent in the laboratory. This demonstrates the fact that exercise is safe but more than effective as a form of medicine during and after cancer treatment.

How Exercise Helps Fight Cancer

Exercise is not only a strength training for the muscles, but it also elevates mood. It is also anti-inflammatory and contributes significantly to the growth and recurrence of cancers. Exercise may enhance the body composition by decreasing fat and building up the muscles to contribute to the capabilities of the body to maintain the cancer cells under control.

The study highlights that even one workout session can trigger beneficial changes. For cancer survivors and patients, this research motivates including exercise as a regular part of care. The type of exercise matters less than the effort and intensity, both resistance training and HIIT showed similar benefits.

What This Means for Cancer Survivors

For people recovering from cancer or managing it long term, exercise could become a vital part of the treatment plan. While more research is needed, this study offers strong evidence that being active can help create a stronger defence against cancer growth.

Regular exercise can help survivors improve their quality of life, reduce fatigue, and manage side effects of cancer treatments. Adding this to the mix can offer hope and an active way to contribute to one’s own health.

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Conclusion

This latest research opens new doors in the fight against cancer by showing how a simple, single session of exercise can produce anti-cancer proteins and slow tumour growth. Exercise is proving to be an important part of cancer care, not just for prevention but also as treatment support. Staying active, even in small bursts, could make a real difference. This study strengthens the idea that movement truly is medicine.