Archive · 3 Jan 2026
10 Minutes of Daily Exercise Lowers Bowel Cancer Risk
A new study found that just 10 minutes of exercise every day can help lower the risk of bowel cancer.
Researchers from Newcastle University discovered that short bursts of exercise can trigger changes in the blood that make it harder for cancer cells to grow.
They collected blood samples from 30 overweight or obese men and women before and after a short cycling session and found that exercise increased the levels of certain proteins that help reduce inflammation, improve blood vessel function, and boost metabolism.
These changes in the blood also affected over a thousand genes, including those involved in repairing DNA and stopping cancer cells from growing.
The study suggests that even a single 10-minute workout can make a difference in protecting against bowel cancer.
Experts recommend aiming for at least 150 minutes of activity each week, along with eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol to reduce the risk of bowel cancer.
A study published in the International Journal of Cancer found that 10 minutes of daily exercise can lower bowel cancer risk.
Researchers from Newcastle University discovered that short bursts of exercise trigger molecular changes in the blood that make it harder for cancer cells to grow.
The study involved 30 overweight or obese men and women aged 50-78 and found that exercise increased the levels of 13 proteins linked to inflammation, blood vessel function, and metabolism.
These changes in the blood affected 1,364 genes, including those involved in DNA repair and cancer cell growth.
Experts recommend at least 150 minutes of weekly activity, along with a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol to reduce bowel cancer risk.
- Who
- Researchers from Newcastle University and participants who are overweight or obese men and women aged 50-78
- What
- A study showing that 10 minutes of daily exercise can lower bowel cancer risk
- When
- The study was published in the International Journal of Cancer
- Where
- The research was conducted at Newcastle University and involved participants from an unspecified location
- Why
- To understand the impact of short bursts of exercise on bowel cancer risk and the underlying molecular mechanisms
Exercise Benefits
Cancer Risk Factors
Exercise Duration
Exercise Benefits
Short bursts of 10 minutes of daily exercise can significantly lower bowel cancer risk by triggering molecular changes in the blood.
Cancer Risk Factors
Longer durations of exercise, along with a healthy diet and lifestyle, are recommended to further reduce cancer risk.
- Study Source
- International Journal of Cancer
- Researchers
- Newcastle University
- Participants
- 30 overweight or obese men and women aged 50-78
- Exercise Duration
- 10-12 minutes
- Proteins Affected
- 13 proteins linked to inflammation, blood vessel function, and metabolism
- Genes Affected
- 1,364 genes, including those involved in DNA repair and cancer cell growth
- Recommended Weekly Activity
- At least 150 minutes of activity such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming
- Additional Risk Factors
- Western diet, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption
