Pumping iron might slow the progression of prostate cancer

In 10 seconds? A preliminary study has shown that physical activity might have a suppressive effect on prostate cancer cells. This is good news but it needs to be backed up by more studies.

What’s the discovery? When we exercise, one of the various effects in the body is that our muscles produce a type of protein called myokines. These proteins are excreted into our bloodstream, and researchers in Australia have now found that myokines can suppress the growth of cancerous cells grown in the lab. Adequate levels of physical activity have been associated with improved survival for various types of cancer, such as breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer, but the mechanisms behind exercise and cancer suppression are still vastly unknown.