According to recent research, engaging in just 10 minutes of exercise can significantly impede the growth of bowel cancer and enhance the repair of DNA damage.

Scientists have discovered that even a brief exercise session can initiate swift molecular changes in the bloodstream, which can help prevent tumor progression.

While the exact biological mechanisms are still not fully understood, this finding adds to the evidence that physical activity can play a role in slowing down the spread of bowel cancer.

In Britain, bowel cancer is diagnosed in over 44,000 individuals each year, ranking it as the fourth most prevalent cancer in the nation.

Though the overall rates have remained steady or slightly declined among older adults, there is a concerning rise in cases among younger adults.

The disease, which took the life of Dame Deborah James at just 40 years old, has seen a staggering 50% increase in those under 50 over the past 30 years, leaving experts searching for answers.

But a growing body of evidence suggests that exercise could be the key to slashing the risk of dying from the disease—or even preventing it in the first place.

A groundbreaking new paper from researchers at the University of Newcastle examined the blood samples of 30 overweight or obese—but otherwise healthy— men.

Intense exercise – such as cycling – for just 10 minutes  can halt bowel cancer growth and speed up DNA damage repair, new research claims

The participants had blood taken before and immediately after a 10-12 minute exercise session, in this case in the form of a cycling test.

The samples were then exposed to bowel cancer cells in a laboratory.

In all cases, the researchers found, intense exercise increased the concentration of 13 proteins in the blood linked to reducing inflammation, improving blood vessel function, and metabolism.

When applied to bowel cancer cells, these exercise-induced molecules actually changed the cancer’s genetic makeup—boosting the genes involved in DNA repair and energy production, and halting those responsible for cancer cell growth.

Writing in the International Journal of Cancer, the research team said their finding offers a ‘potential mechanistic explanation for the protective effects of exercise against’ bowel cancer.

Dr Sam Orange, senior lecturer in clinical exercise physiology at Newcastle University and the study’s lead author, said: ‘What’s remarkable is that exercise doesn’t just benefit healthy tissues, it sends powerful signals through the bloodstream that can directly influence thousands of genes in cancer cells.

‘It’s an exciting insight because it opens the door to find ways that mimic or augment the biological effects of exercise, potentially improving cancer treatment and, crucially, patient outcomes.

‘In the future, these insights could lead to new therapies that imitate the beneficial effects of exercise on how cells repair damaged DNA and use fuel for energy.

Dame Deborah James, nicknamed the ‘bowel babe’ raised more than £11.3mn for Cancer Research and is credited for increasing awareness of the disease, which killed her in 2022 aged 40

‘These results suggest that exercise doesn’t just benefit healthy tissues, it may also create a more hostile environment for cancer cells to grow.

‘Even a single workout can make a difference. One bout of exercise, lasting just 10 minutes, sends powerful signals to the body.

‘It’s a reminder that every step, every session, counts when it comes to doing your best to protect your health.’

It comes months after a world-first trial spanning six nations, including the UK, Canada and Australia, saw hundreds of bowel cancer patients cut their risk of death by more than a third just by taking up an exercise programme.

Published at the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s annual conference in Chicago last year, the research revealed that just 20 minutes of exercise a day slashes the risk of dying of bowel cancer as effectively as a drug. 

To demonstrate this, researchers at the University of British Columbia divided trial participants in half—offering some fortnightly advice sessions with personal trainers for the first six months, and monthly thereafter, while others were merely given leaflets about healthy living.

After five years, those exercising every day were 28 per cent less likely to have died or see their cancer grow or return.

By eight years, their risk of dying was 37 per cent lower—for every 14 participants, exercise prevented one from dying.

Genevieve Edwards, chief executive at the charity Bowel Cancer UK, said: ‘Extensive research shows that people who are more physically active have a lower risk of bowel cancer as well as many other cancers.

‘We should be aiming for at least 150 minutes of activity each week, such as brisk walking, cycling or swimming.

‘Other changes you can make to help reduce your risk of developing bowel cancer include eating plenty of fibre from whole grains, pulses, fruits, and vegetables, avoiding processed meat and limiting red meat, being a healthy body weight, stopping smoking and cutting down on alcohol.

‘Making lifestyle changes can be a challenge, but we believe it’s worth the effort.’