Exercising regularly is beneficial in many ways, including reducing the risk of cancer, but few know that even 10 minutes of brisk exercise can keep the deadly disease at bay.

The Clinical Exercise Physiologist at Newcastle University, Dr. Sam Orange, says that "even a single workout...lasting just 10 minutes sends powerful signals through the bloodstream that can directly influence thousands of genes in cancer cells."

Dr. Orange's team arrived at this conclusion after studying 30 overweight volunteers aged 50 to 78. They were tasked with doing 10 minutes of intense cycling.

An examination of the subjects' blood after cycling revealed that it contained 249 proteins, 13 more than their native state. In addition, interleukin-6 levels increased, which plays a vital role in repairing damaged DNA.

So, while Dr. Orange and his team have enough observations to support their "10 minute" claims for the ones who don't have the disease, what if someone is already suffering from the disease?

Can Exercising Help Cancer Patients, Too?

Well, according to the New York City-based cancer center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, exercising can certainly help reduce the effects of cancer, despite lacking the capacity to eradicate it.

According to a report on their official website, stretching and any other form of movement can be beneficial for cancer patients. Yoga is also a viable option that can enhance the quality of life and reduce fatigue.

A report on their official website states that the exercise routine for a cancer patient depends on their familiarity with working out. For beginners, a 3-day-per-week workout plan is recommended, with each day including 10 to 15 minutes of activity. It can be gradually increased to four days a week.

However, we always recommend expert medical supervision before indulging in such activities, as each case may be different. Still, few can deny the effects of regular exercise.

Written by

Supradeep Dutta

Edited by

Souvik Roy