Exercise: Edith Cowan University research reveals resistance training produces cancer suppressing proteins

A single bout of exercise can help in preventing cancerous tumours from growing, new Edith Cowan University research has revealed. The first-of-its-kind study examined the effects of resistance training, which includes weight lifting, and high intensity interval training — short bursts of cardio — on suppressing cancer cells. The research, led by PhD student Francesco Bettariga, measured myokine levels in breast cancer survivors by taking blood samples before, immediately after and 30 minutes following a single bout of either resistance training or HIIT. Myokines are a group of proteins that are released in the body by muscles, which have an anti-cancer effect by boosting the immune system and metabolism as well as reducing inflammation. The research found both resistance training and HIIT led to an increase in myokine levels in all of the participants. The study also tested the blood drawn from participants’, revealing cancer cell growth was reduced by up to 21 per cent following resistance training and up to 29 per cent after HIIT. Mr Bettariga said the results meant exercise could contribute to a lower risk of cancer recurrence in survivors. “Myokines reduce cancer cell growth and proliferation, which is very important for patients dealing with cancer,” he said. “The results from the study show that both types of exercise really work to produce these anti-cancer myokines in breast cancer survivors. “The results from this study are excellent motivators to add exercise as standard care in the treatment of cancer.” He said both exercises reducing cancer cell growth meant patients had more of a choice of what exercises they want to do. Mr Bettariga said further research was needed to determine if myokines would have the same effects over a longer period of time. With inflammation contributing to tumour growth, Mr Bettariga also studied how consistent exercise could lower the risk of cancer recurrence. The research found by reducing fat mass and increasing lean mass, through consistent and persistent exercise, cancer survivors had a better chance at reducing inflammation. Mr Bettariga stressed diets would not have the same anti-cancer effect as losing weight through exercise. “You never want to reduce your weight without exercising, because you need to build or preserve muscle mass and produce these chemicals that you can’t do through just diet alone,” he said. The research comes after another ECU study revealed less than half of oncology healthcare providers were not giving exercise guidance to their patients despite extensive research proving the benefits for people living with cancer.