Offering new hope for patients with bowel cancer—or colorectal cancer—researchers at Newcastle University in the UK have found that as little as 10 minutes of vigorous physical activity each day can deliver benefits extending well beyond physical fitness.
The study shows that short bursts of intense exercise trigger rapid molecular changes in the bloodstream that can suppress bowel cancer growth and enhance the repair of damaged DNA. Researchers found that even a single bout of high-intensity activity leads to an increase in several small molecules in the blood, many of which are associated with reduced inflammation, improved blood vessel function, and better metabolic regulation.
When these exercise-induced molecules were applied to bowel cancer cells in laboratory experiments, the activity of more than 1,300 genes was altered. These genes play crucial roles in DNA repair, cellular energy production, and the regulation of cancer cell growth. The findings help explain one of the key mechanisms through which regular physical activity lowers the risk of bowel cancer: by sending powerful molecular signals through the bloodstream that influence gene activity linked to tumour growth and genome instability.
“What’s remarkable is that exercise doesn’t just benefit healthy tissues,” said Dr. Sam Orange, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Exercise Physiology at Newcastle University and lead author of the study. “It sends strong signals through the bloodstream that can directly influence thousands of genes in cancer cells.”
Dr. Orange added that the discovery opens up exciting possibilities for future cancer treatments. “These insights could help us find ways to mimic or amplify the biological effects of exercise, potentially improving cancer therapies and patient outcomes. In the longer term, this could lead to new treatments that imitate how exercise helps cells repair damaged DNA and use energy more efficiently.”
The researchers observed that exercise increased the activity of genes that support mitochondrial energy metabolism, allowing cells to use oxygen more efficiently. At the same time, genes associated with rapid and uncontrolled cell growth were switched off—an effect that could reduce the aggressiveness of cancer cells. Importantly, blood collected after exercise also promoted DNA repair by activating a key repair gene known as PNKP.
The study involved 30 male and female volunteers aged between 50 and 78 years. All participants were overweight or obese—an established risk factor for bowel cancer—but were otherwise healthy. Each volunteer completed a short, high-intensity cycling test lasting approximately 10 minutes.
Blood samples were collected before and after the exercise session and analysed for 249 proteins. Researchers found that levels of 13 proteins increased significantly following exercise. One of these was interleukin-6 (IL-6), a molecule known to play a role in reducing inflammation and aiding the repair of damaged DNA.
According to the researchers, the results suggest that exercise does not merely strengthen healthy tissues but may also create a biological environment that is hostile to cancer cell growth. “Even a single workout can make a difference,” Dr. Orange said. “Just 10 minutes of intense activity sends powerful signals throughout the body.”
Dr. Siddharth Srivastava, Director and Professor of Gastroenterology at GB Pant Hospital, Delhi, concurred with the study’s findings, saying regular physical activities such as cycling, running, and swimming have a positive impact on colorectal cancer. He explained that exercise brings about beneficial changes in gut bacteria, which can influence cancer biology. “We always advise our patients not to feel despondent. There is a ray of hope, as lifestyle changes can help shift the biology of cancer in their favour,” he said.
Dr. Srivastava cautioned that colorectal cancer is on the rise in India, largely due to sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy dietary habits, including the growing consumption of junk food. He noted that patients with a genetic predisposition often have a different cancer biology, which may be more difficult to modify through lifestyle interventions alone.
Emphasising the importance of early detection, he said any change in bowel habits should not be ignored. “New-onset constipation, diarrhoea, or the presence of blood in the stool can be warning signs. In such cases, it is important to consult a specialist promptly for proper evaluation,” Dr. Srivastava added.
