Health and Me

Ishita Srivastava

Working Out For 10 Minutes May Decrease Your Risk Of Colorectal Cancer, Study Proves

Performing short and intense exercises that last for about 10 minutes may significantly reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, a British study shows. 

Researchers at <span>Newcastle University</span> have found that completing brief workouts increases the concentration of several small molecules in the blood that have previously been linked to reducing inflammation, improving blood vessel function and metabolism.

The findings, which were published in the <span>International Journal of Cancer</span>, also noted that even short bouts of <span>exercise</span> can influence the activity of genes that govern tumor growth and fight against cancer. 

Dr Sam Orange, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Exercise Physiology at Newcastle University and lead study author, said of the <a href="https://www.ncl.ac.uk/press/articles/latest/2025/12/exercisehelpsfightbowelcancer/" data-type="tilCustomLink" rel="noopener nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" rel= "noopener nofollow noreferrer" target= "_blank">results</a>, "What’s remarkable is that exercise doesn’t just benefit healthy tissues, it sends powerful signals through the bloodstream that can directly influence thousands of genes in cancer cells.

“It’s an exciting insight because it opens the door to find ways that mimic or augment the biological effects of exercise, potentially improving cancer treatment and, crucially, patient outcomes.

“In the future, these insights could lead to new therapies that imitate the beneficial effects of exercise on how cells repair damaged DNA and use fuel for energy.”

<h2>How Does It Work?</h2>The study involved 30 participants, both male and female between the ages of 50–78. All of the participants were overweight or obese (a risk factor of cancer) but otherwise healthy. 

Researchers had asked each volunteer to complete a short, intense cycling test that lasted about 10 minutes and collected each of their blood samples which were then meticulously analyzed.

After studying about 249 proteins, the experts found nearly 13 protein had increased in their blood flow after the short exercise including interleukin-6 (IL-6), which helps repair the DNA of damaged cells.

When these exercise-induced proteins were applied to colorectal or bowel cancer cells by the scientists in a lab, they discovered that these new proteins could alter the activity of over 1,300 genes, particularly those who were responsible for DNA repair, energy production and cancer cell growth.

As a result, they concluded that performing even small exercises can activate a set of genes in the body's cells that can support efficient use of oxygen and promote energy metabolism. Additionally, the British researchers also discovered that the cell genes which have been previously associated with rapid cell growth were switched off after working out, suggesting that this might aid in controlling cancerous growths in the body. 

Colorectal or bowel cancer is a common cancer that forms in the tissues of the colon (large intestine) or rectum, often starting as non-cancerous growths called polyps that turn cancerous over time. 

Despite being treatable and preventable, colorectal cancer is currently the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Over 70,000 new cases of colorectal cancer occur annually in India, making it the fourth most common cancer in the country.

<ul><li>Blood in or on the stool</li><li>Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, narrower stools)</li><li>Abdominal discomfort, cramps, gas, or pain</li><li>Feeling that your bowel doesn't empty completely</li><li>Weakness, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss</li></ul>Some of the risk factors include risk factors involve being over the age 50, family history, certain genetic syndromes (like Lynch syndrome), inflammatory bowel diseases, and lifestyle factors (diet high in red meat, alcohol, smoking, inactivity). The most effective way to prevent colorectal cancer is through annual colonoscopies, screening and stool tests. 

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Performing short and intense exercises that last for about 10 minutes may significantly reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, a British study shows. Researchers at Newcastle University have found that completing brief workouts increases the concentration of several small molecules in the blood that have previously been linked to reducing inflammation, improving blood vessel function and metabolism.The findings, which were published in the International Journal of Cancer, also noted that even short bouts of exercise can influence the activity of genes that govern tumor growth and fight against cancer. Dr Sam Orange, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Exercise Physiology at Newcastle University and lead study author, said of the results, "What’s remarkable is that exercise doesn’t just benefit healthy tissues, it sends powerful signals through the bloodstream that can directly influence thousands of genes in cancer cells.“It’s an exciting insight because it opens the door to find ways that mimic or augment the biological effects of exercise, potentially improving cancer treatment and, crucially, patient outcomes.“In the future, these insights could lead to new therapies that imitate the beneficial effects of exercise on how cells repair damaged DNA and use fuel for energy.”How Does It Work?The study involved 30 participants, both male and female between the ages of 50–78. All of the participants were overweight or obese (a risk factor of cancer) but otherwise healthy. Researchers had asked each volunteer to complete a short, intense cycling test that lasted about 10 minutes and collected each of their blood samples which were then meticulously analyzed.After studying about 249 proteins, the experts found nearly 13 protein had increased in their blood flow after the short exercise including interleukin-6 (IL-6), which helps repair the DNA of damaged cells.When these exercise-induced proteins were applied to colorectal or bowel cancer cells by the scientists in a lab, they discovered that these new proteins could alter the activity of over 1,300 genes, particularly those who were responsible for DNA repair, energy production and cancer cell growth.As a result, they concluded that performing even small exercises can activate a set of genes in the body's cells that can support efficient use of oxygen and promote energy metabolism. Additionally, the British researchers also discovered that the cell genes which have been previously associated with rapid cell growth were switched off after working out, suggesting that this might aid in controlling cancerous growths in the body. What Is Colorectal Cancer?Colorectal or bowel cancer is a common cancer that forms in the tissues of the colon (large intestine) or rectum, often starting as non-cancerous growths called polyps that turn cancerous over time. Despite being treatable and preventable, colorectal cancer is currently the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Over 70,000 new cases of colorectal cancer occur annually in India, making it the fourth most common cancer in the country.Typical symptoms usually include : Blood in or on the stoolChanges in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, narrower stools)Abdominal discomfort, cramps, gas, or painFeeling that your bowel doesn't empty completelyWeakness, fatigue, or unexplained weight lossSome of the risk factors include risk factors involve being over the age 50, family history, certain genetic syndromes (like Lynch syndrome), inflammatory bowel diseases, and lifestyle factors (diet high in red meat, alcohol, smoking, inactivity). The most effective way to prevent colorectal cancer is through annual colonoscopies, screening and stool tests. 