August 21, 2025 / 11:40 IST
Daily exercise benefits: Just half-an-hour of intense movement triggers muscles to release myokines, proteins shown to directly suppress cancer cell growth by up to 30percent (Image: Pexels)
With high stress and fast living on the rise, a quick workout may be one of the simplest and most effective ways to help get rid of cancer. A recent research reveals that just half-an-hour of vigorous exercise can release anti-cancer proteins, curb growth of cancer cells, and strengthen your immune defence. It seems that movement, often overlooked, may carry healing potential, especially for those who already faced cancer.
A new study by Edith Cowan University has shown that survivors of breast cancer witnessed remarkable benefits from a single 30-minute bout of intense exercise, be it resistance training or high intensity interval training (HIIT). Blood tests taken immediately after half an hour post exercise revealed a surge in myokins, muscle-released proteins known for their anti-cancer properties. In lab testing, these myokines were shown to curb cancer cell growth by staggering 20–30 percent giving fresh hope to using physical movement as supportive care .
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10 reasons why 30-minute workout is best exercise routine to curb cancer, keep you healthy:
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- Cancer fighting proteins: Just half-an-hour of intense movement triggers muscles to release myokines, proteins shown to directly suppress cancer cell growth by up to 30 percent.
- Less tumour cell growth: Even one workout can significantly slow cancer cell proliferation, an encouraging find for both survivors and patients.
- Survivors still respond: Breast cancer survivors, even after treatments, still produce protective myokines post- exercise, proving their bodies remain responsive to movement.
- Better body composition:Regular exercise boosts muscle, slashes fat and creates a physique less prone to cancer recurrence and makes it more resilient.
- Inflammation goes down: By reducing chronic inflammation, a known driver for tumour growth, exercise makes your body a tougher environment for cancer.
- Diet alone won’t suffice: Losing weight through dieting may preserve fat, but not muscle. Only physical activity activates those powerful, anti-cancer proteins.
Also read | Best exercise tips for beginners: Transform your fitness journey with these expert-approved workout hacks- Stronger immune system: Exercise repairs immune damage caused by treatments, thus helping your body and abnormal cells more.
- Flexible workout choice: HIIT and resistance training both work well at triggering myokine release, so you can choose suits your fitness and energy levels.
- Mood and well-being: Working out doesn’t just build your body, it lightens your mood, eases stress, and strengthens emotional resilience crucial during recovery exercise.
- Exercise as medicine: Experts suggest exercises as therapeutic, not optional. Its benefits stand alongside, or in some cases exceed, aspects of conventional treatment.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis. Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!