A recent study from the University of Turku in Finland revealed that just 30 minutes of exercise can enhance the activity of cancer-fighting white blood cells, offering hope for cancer patients.

During the study, 20 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients pedalled stationary bicycles at their chosen resistance. Throughout the study, blood samples were taken when resting, during, and after taking part in the exercise. Researchers found that levels of cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells (both crucial for targeting cancer) increased significantly while cancer-promoting cells either remained stable or decreased.

Lead author Tiia Koivula noted that the balance between cancer-fighting and cancer-promoting cells is critical for effective immune response. She stated, "The balance of different types of white blood cells determines whether the immune system works to destroy cancer or to support it. If there are more cancer-destroying cells than cancer-promoting cells in the tumour area, the body is more capable of fighting cancer".

Although the long-term effects on tumour environments remain uncertain, the evidence supports the notion that exercise benefits all cancer patients.