Just 10 Minutes of Exercise May Slow Colorectal Cancer Growth, New Research Suggests
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A brief, intense workout could trigger biological changes capable of slowing the growth of colorectal cancer cells, according to groundbreaking research published in the International Journal of Cancer in 2026. While not a cure, the findings are prompting a reevaluation of the role of physical activity in combating this common cancer.
Researchers at Newcastle University investigated how a short burst of exercise impacted the blood of overweight volunteers and, subsequently, the behavior of tumor cells. The study revealed that even a 10-minute cycling session initiated signals in the bloodstream that demonstrably slowed cancer cell growth and boosted DNA repair mechanisms.
The Power of a 10-Minute Workout
The study involved 30 participants – men and women between the ages of 50 and 78 – all classified as overweight or obese, a known risk factor for cancer, but otherwise healthy. Each volunteer completed a rigorous 10- to 12-minute cycling test. Blood samples were collected before and immediately after exercise, with analysis focusing on 249 proteins. The results showed that levels of 13 proteins increased post-exercise, notably interleukin-6 (IL-6), a key contributor to DNA repair in damaged cells.
To understand the impact on cancer cells, researchers applied the “post-exercise” serum to colorectal cancer cells grown in a laboratory setting. The team observed significant changes in the activity of 1,364 genes. Genes involved in energy production and DNA repair were activated, while those promoting rapid cell growth were suppressed. This shift effectively turned off genes associated with aggressive cancer cell behavior and promoted the activation of PNKP, a crucial gene responsible for DNA repair.
Hormonal Signals and Cancer Cell Response
“What’s remarkable is that exercise not only benefits healthy tissue, it sends powerful signals into the bloodstream that can directly influence thousands of genes in cancer cells,” explained a lead researcher on the project. The findings highlight the significant hormonal role of muscle during exercise and its far-reaching effects on cellular processes.
The impact of even a single exercise session was striking. Researchers found that expression of the PNKP gene nearly doubled after exposure to the post-exercise serum. “Even just one session can make a difference. A single effort, lasting just 10 minutes, sends powerful signals to the body,” the researcher emphasized. “This is an exciting insight because it opens the way to ways that mimic or enhance the biological effects of exercise, potentially improving cancer treatment and, importantly, patient outcomes.”
Implications for Cancer Prevention and Treatment
These results reinforce existing recommendations for regular physical activity to reduce cancer risk. Previous research indicates that consistent exercise lowers the risk of colorectal cancer by 20 to 40%, supporting the current guideline of at least 150 minutes of exercise per week. However, the novelty of this study lies in demonstrating that a single, intense 10-minute session can measurably alter genes and DNA repair mechanisms.
Looking ahead, researchers envision the potential for developing new therapies that replicate the beneficial effects of exercise on DNA repair and energy utilization within cells. “In the future, these findings could lead to new therapies that mimic the beneficial effects of exercise on how cells repair damaged DNA and use fuel for energy,” the researcher stated.
At a time when inactivity is on the rise, these findings underscore a critical paradox: a simple, accessible, and potentially protective strategy remains largely underutilized. The biological signals revealed by this research offer a compelling argument for prioritizing even short bursts of intense exercise as a vital component of both cancer prevention and potentially, future treatment strategies.
