Short bursts of physical activity can suppress the growth of colon cancer cells and enhance the repair of damaged DNA. This conclusion was reached by researchers at Newcastle University. The findings were published in the International Journal of Cancer (IJC).

The study involved 30 men and women aged 50 to 78 who were overweight or obese—a known risk factor for colorectal cancer. Participants completed a short, high-intensity cycling test lasting about 10 minutes.

The researchers found that even brief but intense exercise increased blood concentrations of several small molecules associated with reduced inflammation, improved vascular function, and better metabolism. To examine how these changes might affect tumor cells, the scientists used blood samples taken from participants immediately after exercise and applied them to colorectal cancer cells in the laboratory.

As a result, changes in the activity of more than 1,300 genes were observed. These included genes involved in DNA repair, energy metabolism, and the regulation of tumor cell growth. According to the authors, such shifts create a molecular environment that is less favorable for cancer.

Blood analysis also showed that levels of 13 proteins increased after exercise, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), which plays an important role in DNA repair processes.

“These results show that physical exercise is beneficial not only for healthy tissues but can also make the environment less suitable for the growth of cancer cells,” said Dr. Orange, a clinical exercise specialist at Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals.

According to him, the positive effect may occur even after a single short workout.