During intense exercise, special molecules are released in the body that help reduce inflammatory processes, improve blood circulation, and normalize metabolism.
In the course of the experiment, when scientists treated bowel cancer cells with blood samples from people who had exercised, they found significant changes: the activity of more than 1300 genes was altered. Among them were genes responsible for DNA repair, energy production, and tumor growth.
“This amazing discovery shows that physical exercise affects not only healthy tissues but also sends strong signals through the bloodstream, influencing thousands of genes in cancer cells,” noted Dr. Sam Orange, who led the research.
The Impact of Physical Activity on the Body
- Physical activity initiates several protective processes:
- Improvement of metabolism. Cells begin to absorb oxygen better, which helps strengthen healthy tissues.
- Slowing down the division of cancer cells. Genes responsible for the rapid development of tumors are suppressed, making cancer less aggressive.
- Activation of DNA repair. Here, the protein interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the PNKP gene play an important role, helping to correct damage in the genetic material of cells.
The study involved 30 people aged 50 to 78 with overweight or obesity—risk factors for cancer development. All participants completed a 10-minute intense workout on a stationary bike.
Blood analysis conducted before and after the workout showed an increase in the levels of 13 key proteins, including those that play a role in combating cancer cells.
“Even one workout can have a significant impact,” emphasizes Dr. Orange, a clinical physiologist at NHS. “Just 10 minutes can send powerful protective signals to the body. This is a reminder that every step and every activity matters for your health.”
According to statistics, regular physical activity reduces the risk of developing bowel cancer by about 20%. It is not necessary to work out in a gym—walking, cycling, gardening, or doing household chores also brings benefits.
Bowel cancer ranks fourth in prevalence in the UK, and this diagnosis is made every 12 minutes in the country—almost 44,000 cases per year. One patient dies from this disease every half hour.
