A new study published in the International Journal of Cancer might add some extra encouragement to everyone trying to keep their New Year’s resolutions!
A lot of literature points to a preventative effect of exercise on colorectal cancer. Experts estimate that daily physical activity could prevent almost 15% of colorectal cancer cases, and additional benefits of exercise on colorectal cancer mortality and recurrence have been documented.
Although the benefits of exercise are well established, the exact biological mechanisms and the optimal types and amounts of physical activity remain unclear.
To better understand the link between exercise and colorectal cancer, researchers evaluated molecules released into the blood during exercise. They collected blood samples from 30 overweight or obese participants, both before and after a stationary cycling session. The exercise included a 3-minute warm-up without resistance, followed by 10 to 12 minutes of gradually increasing intensity. Researchers then used the serum to assess its effect on DNA damage in colorectal cancer cells.
The researchers cultured colorectal cancer cells with pre- and post-exercise serum, then exposed them to radiation to induce DNA damage. For the next 24 hours, the cultures were assessed for different proteins.
The analysis showed that just 10 to 12 minutes of exercise significantly affected protein expression. The accumulation of γ-H2AX, a protein produced in response to DNA damage, was much lower in post-exercise serum. Exercise also increased proteins linked to inflammation and immune response.
These findings suggest that exercise may help prevent DNA damage, a key factor in cancer development, and enhance immune system responsiveness. Together, these results provide new evidence supporting the protective effects of exercise against colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer cases make up a significant portion of the cancer burden in the United States. Over 150,000 new cases and over 50,000 deaths were predicted in 2025. Knowledge of new and effective strategies for prevention will significantly benefit cancer survivorship.
Sources: Int J Cancer, World J Gastrointest Oncol, CA Cancer J Clin
