A new study in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment shows that a single session of strength training or HIIT can increase levels of anti-cancer myokines and inhibit cancer cell growth by up to 29% in breast cancer survivors.
Summary of the study:
- 32 women who survived stage I–III breast cancer.
- One session of resistance training (RT) or high-intensity interval training (HIIT) increased IL-6, decorin, and SPARC.
- Cancer cells in vitro (MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells) grew about 20–29% slower after the workout compared to before.
These results underscore the potential of exercise as an accessible, non-pharmacological strategy to reduce the risk of relapse among breast cancer survivors. Including both strength training and HIIT may provide important benefits — even after just one workout session.
