New Study Suggests Weight Training Could Aid in Fighting Breast Cancer
Recent research indicates that even a single session of weight training may have potential benefits for combating breast cancer. Conducted by researchers at Edith Cowan University in Australia, the study explored the impact of resistance training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on cancer cells.
A key takeaway from the findings, as mentioned in a press release, is that such exercises increase the production of myokines, proteins generated by muscles that could help in battling cancer.
The study, which appeared in the Journal Springer Nature, involved randomly assigning 32 breast cancer survivors to either a resistance training group or a HIIT group. Blood samples were taken both before and after these exercise sessions to measure changes in cell growth.
Interestingly, the researchers found that just one session of either type of training led to an increase in anti-cancer myokine levels and “significantly reduces” the growth of cancer cells in the participants.
The study emphasizes the importance of incorporating exercise into cancer treatment plans, as the results suggest promising anti-cancer effects.
Co-authors Dr. Rob Newton and a professor of Athletic Medicine at Edith Cowan University, discussed these findings during an interview, highlighting how each exercise session serves as a sort of “dose” of body-produced cancer-fighting substances. He underscored the importance of strength training within cancer treatment.
Newton was somewhat surprised by the outcomes, noting that both resistance and HIIT appeared to suppress cancer cell growth to a similar extent, though they likely interacted with different myokine elevations. This indicates that exercise may have various biological pathways that support anti-cancer effects.
However, he did point out some study limitations, such as the analysis being conducted on cancer cells in a lab, instead of in immune cells where exercise’s benefits would likely be more evident.
Based on the preliminary findings, Newton encourages individuals with cancer to engage in exercise most days of the week to help foster cancer-fighting molecules. For those with low muscle mass, targeted exercises combined with proper nutrition could enhance muscle growth and further establish the body’s “pharmacy” of anti-cancer substances.
Francesco Bettariga, a PhD student involved in the research, also noted that exercise is becoming recognized as a treatment intervention for managing cancer.
The Role of Inflammation
Both exercise and diet play a crucial role in managing systemic inflammation, which, according to Newton, can interfere with muscle growth and create a more favorable environment for cancer. Bettariga’s research similarly found that improvements in body composition through consistent movement can affect levels of inflammation.
Sustained inflammation can promote tumor growth and hinder immune function. Breast cancer survivors, in particular, face a heightened risk of cancer recurrence and tumor progression partly due to the inflammatory side effects of their treatment.
The research also highlights how reducing fat mass while increasing lean muscle through regular exercise can lower inflammation rates among cancer survivors. Bettariga stated that improving body composition is linked to reducing inflammation, as increased lean mass helps release anti-inflammatory markers and reduce fat mass.
In conclusion, combining exercise with a suitable diet is essential, as it’s nearly impossible to attain significant weight loss without building or maintaining muscle mass through physical activity.
