There is no doubt that technology has contributed immensely to promoting human welfare and has facilitated several tasks that previously required great physical effort. Since ancient times, the human body was accustomed to movement, which enhanced its flexibility; a necessity for meeting basic survival needs. However, with the passing of time, the technological revolution and mass migration to cities—over half of the world’s population now living in urban areas—have led people to disconnect from nature. This has resulted in a significantly reduced movement and physical activity. At this point, sports has become an essential commitment, for which people must dedicate time in their increasingly busy daily schedules. Could sports be the key to combating prominent contemporary diseases, such as cancer, which affects around one out of every five people?
30 Minutes to Combat Cancer
According to a recent study published in the Breast Cancer Research and Treatment journal, in July 2025, a single session of resistance exercise can increase levels of “myokines”, a muscle-secreted protein with anti-cancer characteristics; this suggests that it could reduce cancer cell growth by 20%–30%. The authors reached this conclusion after conducting an in-depth study involving breast cancer survivors. The researchers measured myokine levels in healthy people before and 30 minutes after a single resistance exercise session and noticed a significant increase.
Relapse Prevention
Sports maintain good health and muscle mass, while decreasing fat percentage, given that obesity is associated with higher relapse rates. Additionally, sports help to regulate levels of insulin and estrogen—hormones associated with cancer recurrence. It also strengthen the immune system to detect abnormal cells before they develop into cancerous ones. Sports also contribute to lowering chronic inflammation, which is one of the factors that stimulates the development of cancer.
For the Future
The benefits of sports are not limited to fighting cancer or avoiding potential relapses after recovery. There is also scientific evidence that exercising in youth can lower the risk of developing cancer late in life; this was confirmed by a study published in the "British Journal of Sports Medicine". The researchers concluded that running regularly, brisk walking, and other aerobic exercises in youth, reduce the chances of developing nine types of cancer at a later age.
Research supports the necessity of maintaining a daily exercise routine, as sports have countless benefits, not just for health, but for the quality of life as well. While sports can certainly be used as a therapeutic tool, it is better seen as a preventive measure before one contracts any disease.
References
bjsm.bmj.com
cancer.gov (1)
cancer.org (2)
cancerresearchuk.org
ink.springer.com
ourworldindata.org
who.int
Cover Photo generated by AI.