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Best exercises: Daily 30-minute workout lowers cancer risk, slows tumour growth

Daily exercise benefits: Just one short, intense workout can trigger proteins that suppress cancer cell growth by up to 30%, boost immunity, reduce tumour-promoting inflammation and support mental well-being, especially in breast cancer survivors, says study.

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)

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 .

10 reasons why 30-minute workout is best exercise routine to curb cancer, keep you healthy:

Also read | Exercise tips: Don't feel like working out today? Here's what you can do

  • 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.
Namita S Kalla is a senior journalist who writes about different aspects of modern life that include lifestyle, health, fashion, beauty, and entertainment.
first published: Aug 21, 2025 11:40 am

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