The 30-minute workout that scientists say could slash cancer cell growth by 30%

The 30-minute workout that scientists say could slash cancer cell growth by 30%


A single workout – whether resistance training or high-intensity interval training (HIIT) – could support the fight against cancer, according to new findings from Edith Cowan University (ECU).

"Exercise is increasingly recognised as a powerful therapeutic tool in cancer care. There's already strong evidence supporting its safety and effectiveness during and after cancer treatment," said lead author Francesco Bettariga.

The scientists from ECU wanted to specifically test how myokines – proteins released by muscles that can have anti-cancer properties – were affected when cancer patients and survivors underwent vigorous exercise.

In the study, breast cancer survivors took part in a single session of either resistance or high-intensity interval training. Blood samples were taken before, immediately after, and 30 minutes following the workout. Results showed that both types of exercise led to increased myokine levels, even in individuals whose bodies had been impacted by cancer and its treatments.

The results revealed that just one session of exercise significantly boosted levels of myokines. These myokines were found to reduce cancer cell growth by 20 to 30 percent.

"While we typically see higher myokine levels in healthy individuals after intense exercise, it wasn’t clear if the same response would occur in cancer survivors. These results confirm that it does, which is incredibly encouraging," said Bettariga. "This research supports the idea that exercise should be integrated into standard cancer care."

He emphasised that the long-term effects of elevated myokines – particularly their role in preventing cancer recurrence – deserve further exploration.

A

This website is owned and published by Our Media Ltd. www.ourmedia.co.uk
© Our Media 2025