Even a single strength training or HIIT workout can trigger anti-cancer effects in the body.
A 2025 study published in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment has shown something remarkable: even a single 45-minute workout — whether it’s strength training or high-intensity interval training (HIIT) — can boost your body’s production of anti-cancer molecules and directly slow down cancer cell growth.
The research team studied 32 women who had survived breast cancer, each completing one exercise session. Blood samples were collected before, immediately after, and 30 minutes post-workout.
Here are the findings:
After just one workout, participants’ blood showed significant increases in several powerful myokines — small proteins released by muscles that have healing and protective effects across the body.
These included:
IL-6 – helps slow cancer cell growth and can trigger cancer cell death.
Decorin – interferes with tumor development.
SPARC – helps prevent tumors from spreading.
Oncostatin M (OSM) – keeps cancer cells dormant and less active.
Both resistance training (RT) and HIIT increased these myokines. However, HIIT caused the biggest spike in IL-6, a key anti-cancer molecule.
2. Their Blood Actually Slowed Cancer Cell Growth
The researchers took the participants’ post-exercise blood and exposed it to a highly aggressive breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231). Within hours, cancer cell growth dropped by 20–29% — and the effect lasted at least 30 minutes after exercise. Both workouts worked — but HIIT showed slightly greater cancer-suppressing effects immediately after the session. Your muscles don’t just move you — they secrete medicine.Each contraction releases compounds that help regulate inflammation, metabolism, and even fight cancer cells.
Takeaway:
Even a single workout can produce a powerful biological defense against disease. Strength training and HIIT aren’t just for fitness or looks — they’re preventative medicine. For breast cancer survivors, and for anyone wanting to improve longevity, these findings are another reason to keep moving and get strong.