The study, conducted by researchers at Edith Cowan University, investigated the impact of resistance training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on breast cancer survivors. A total of 32 participants were randomly assigned to either a resistance training session or a HIIT session, and blood samples were taken before and after the exercise to analyze changes in cell growth. The results revealed a significant reduction in cancer cell growth after both types of exercise, with anti-cancer myokines playing a key role in this effect.
Dr. Rob Newton, a study co-author and professor of exercise medicine at Edith Cowan University, emphasized the importance of regular physical activity for cancer survivors. “Each exercise session acts like a ‘dose’ of cancer-suppressing medicine produced by the body itself,” he said. Newton noted that while the researchers initially expected differences between resistance training and HIIT, the findings indicated that both methods were equally effective in reducing cancer cell growth. However, they acted through different pathways, as measured by the elevation of specific myokines.
Beyond the immediate effects on cancer cell growth, the study also highlighted the broader impact of exercise on inflammation and immune function. Francesco Bettariga, a PhD student involved in the research, stated that exercise has emerged as a ‘therapeutic intervention’ for cancer management. “A large body of evidence supports the safety and effectiveness of exercise as medicine, either during or post-treatment,” Bettariga said. He added that changes in body composition from consistent exercise can significantly influence inflammation, which is a key factor in cancer recurrence and mortality.
Newton further explained that persistent inflammation not only promotes tumor growth but also reduces immune function, making it essential for cancer survivors to manage their inflammation levels. “Improving body composition through exercise can decrease inflammation, as it involves building lean mass and reducing fat mass, which are responsible for releasing anti-inflammatory markers,” Bettariga noted. He also cautioned against rapid weight loss without exercise, emphasizing the importance of preserving muscle mass, which is crucial for producing anti-cancer chemicals that cannot be achieved solely through diet.
The researchers acknowledge that the study had limitations, including the focus on lab-based cancer cells rather than immune cells, which are believed to be a major mechanism through which exercise enhances cancer control. Despite these limitations, the findings provide strong evidence for the role of exercise in cancer care, reinforcing the idea that physical activity is not only beneficial for overall health but could also play a significant part in managing and reducing cancer risk.