For the first time, experts have accurately found that exercise reduces the risk of bowel cancer and slows tumor growth
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Scientists at Newcastle University have found that physical activity can cause the cancer-fighting protein Interleukin-6 (IL-6) to be released into the bloodstream to help repair the DNA of damaged cells
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The findings, published in the International Journal of Cancer, shed light on the importance of moderate exercise in combating life-threatening diseases and may help develop future treatments
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DNA repair
Dr Sam Orange, Lecturer in Exercise Physiology at Newcastle University, said: "Previous scientific evidence has shown that more exercise can help reduce the risk of bowel cancer, as the more people exercise, the lower their chances of developing bowel cancer
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"Our findings support this idea
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"If you exercise multiple times a week over an extended period of time, cancer-fighting substances such as IL-6 released into the bloodstream have the opportunity to interact with abnormal cells, repair their DNA, and reduce cancer cell growth.
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For the small study, a team of researchers from Newcastle University and York St John University recruited 16 men aged 50-80 who had life>
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After providing an initial blood sample, the participants rode an indoor bike at moderate intensity for 30 minutes, with a second blood sample taken immediately after they finished cycling
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As a control measure, the scientists took further blood samples before and after the participants rested
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To see if exercise alters blood levels of the anticancer protein, the researchers conducted some tests and found whether exercise altered the blood levels of the anticancer protein, IL-6 protein, compared to static samples.
increased
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The scientists added blood samples to bowel cancer cells in the lab and monitored how the cells grew over a 48-hour period
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They found that blood samples taken directly after exercise slowed the growth of cancer cells compared with those at rest
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In addition, exercised blood samples not only reduced cancer growth, but also reduced the extent of DNA damage, suggesting that physical activity repairs cells, creating a genetically stable cell type
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Dr Orange said: "Our findings are very exciting because they reveal a newly discovered mechanism for how physical activity reduces bowel cancer risk, independent of weight loss
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"A better understanding of these mechanisms could lead to more precise cancer prevention exercise guidelines
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" It could also help develop drug treatments that mimic some of the health benefits of exercise
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"Physical activity of any type and duration can improve health and reduce bowel cancer risk, but the more the better
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" People who are sedentary should start by getting more exercise and adding physical activity to their daily routines
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Dr Adam Odell, Senior Lecturer in Biological Sciences at York St John University, who participated in the research along with Dr Alastair Jordan and Owen Kavanagh, added: "It is important that a more active life>
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" There was a clear link between higher levels of exercise and lower risk of other cancers, such as breast and endometrial cancer
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"By identifying a mechanism by which regular physical activity can have anticancer effects, our research provides further support for current national and global efforts to increase exercise participation
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bowel cancer incidence
Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, accounting for 11% of all new cancer cases
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Around 42,900 people are diagnosed in the UK each year, or nearly 120 a day
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Physical activity is estimated to reduce risk by about 20%
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It can be done by going to the gym, doing sports, or through active travel like walking or cycling to work, but it can also be done as part of a chore or job like gardening or cleaning
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The team intends to conduct further research to determine exactly how exercise reduces DNA damage in early-stage cancers and establish the most effective form of exercise to prevent the disease
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