Cancer is one of the most challenging health conditions individuals may face, but emerging research highlights the role of exercise in reducing cancer risk. While no single factor guarantees immunity from cancer, staying active is a proactive step toward better overall health and a lower risk of developing certain cancers. Regular physical activity not only strengthens the body but also promotes internal processes that reduce the likelihood of cancer cell growth. But how exactly does exercise influence cancer risk, and what types of workouts are most beneficial? Let’s explore the science behind working out at AFAC gym in Thornton, Colorado, and cancer prevention.

How Does Gym Exercise Reduce Cancer Risk?

Exercise triggers several physiological changes that contribute to cancer risk reduction. While it isn’t a guaranteed preventive measure, regular movement plays a crucial role in managing key cancer risk factors.

Weight Management: Obesity is a significant risk factor for several cancers, including breast (postmenopausal), colon, and prostate cancers. Exercise alone won’t necessarily lead to weight loss, but when combined with a balanced diet, it can help individuals maintain a healthy weight and lower cancer risks.
Hormone Regulation: Fat cells produce estrogen, which has been linked to certain breast and endometrial cancers. Regular exercise helps regulate hormone levels and reduce excess fat storage, lowering the availability of estrogen that can contribute to cancer cell growth.
Insulin and Blood Sugar Levels: High levels of insulin in the blood have been associated with an increased risk of cancer. Exercise improves insulin sensitivity and helps regulate blood sugar levels, making the body less prone to conditions that support cancer development.
Immune System Support: Engaging in regular physical activity enhances immune function by promoting the health of T-cells, which help fight off abnormal cells before they develop into tumors.
Inflammation Reduction: Chronic inflammation is linked to an increased risk of cancer. Exercise has been shown to lower inflammation levels throughout the body, reducing tissue damage and abnormal cell growth.
Digestive Health: Physical activity influences the metabolism of bile acids and decreases the time food spends in the digestive system. This helps reduce exposure to potential carcinogens, particularly in the colon.
Mental Health and Stress Reduction: Exercise alleviates stress, anxiety, and depression, which indirectly influences overall health. Lower stress levels are linked to better sleep, improved immune function, and reduced inflammation—all contributing factors to cancer prevention.

What Types of Cancer Are Lower in People Who Exercise?

A major study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the American Cancer Society (ACS) examined 1.4 million individuals over 11 years. The findings showed that regular physical activity was associated with a reduced risk for up to 13 types of cancer. Other studies have added cancer types to this list. The cancers most affected by exercise include:

Esophageal cancer
Liver cancer
Lung cancer
Kidney cancer
Stomach cancer
Endometrial cancer
Myeloid leukemia
Myeloma
Colon cancer
Head and neck cancer
Rectal cancer
Bladder cancer
Breast cancer
Ovarian cancer
Pancreatic cancer
Prostate cancer
Thyroid cancer
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

These findings provide compelling motivation to incorporate exercise into daily routines, as consistent movement can contribute to a lower likelihood of developing multiple forms of cancer.

What Are Other Risk Factors for Cancer?

While exercise is beneficial, it’s only one component of cancer prevention. Other factors contributing to cancer risk are listed below.

Exposure to Carcinogens: Tobacco smoke, air pollution, radiation, and toxic chemicals all play a role in cancer development.
Viral Infections: Some viruses, such as human papillomavirus (HPV), are linked to reproductive and head and neck cancers.
Genetics: Inherited mutations in certain genes increase susceptibility to cancer.
Diet and Lifestyle Choices: A diet high in processed foods and saturated fats and low in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may contribute to cancer risk.
Obesity and Sedentary Behavior: Sitting for prolonged periods and a lack of physical activity can promote chronic inflammation and excessive hormone production.
Cellular Aging and Mutations: As we age, cell replication errors may occur, leading to the growth of abnormal or cancerous cells.

How Much Exercise Do I Need?

Balancing exercise with a busy schedule can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, which breaks down to just 30 minutes a day, five days a week.

Additionally, studies have shown that even small amounts of daily activity can make a significant impact. For example, running for just five to ten minutes per day can extend lifespan and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Brisk walking, cycling, and even routine physical movements—such as taking the stairs—contribute to improved health outcomes.

What Are the Best Exercises to Do?

The best exercise is the one you enjoy and can consistently maintain. However, incorporating a mix of the following workouts offers optimal benefits.

Aerobic Exercise (150–300 minutes per week): Activities such as brisk walking, running, cycling, swimming, and dancing improve cardiovascular health and metabolic function.
Strength Training (At least two days per week): Weightlifting, resistance bands, and body-weight exercises build muscle and support metabolic health.
Balance and Flexibility Training: Yoga, tai chi, and Pilates improve stability, mobility, and overall body awareness.
Short Bursts of Activity: Even short movements throughout the day, like climbing stairs or taking a quick walk, can contribute to overall health.

Reducing sedentary behavior is just as important as exercising. Avoid long periods of sitting and take regular breaks to move whenever possible.

The Power of High-Intensity Training in Cancer Prevention and Survival

As we have learned, research has long suggested that regular exercise lowers the risk of dying from certain types of cancer, and evidence indicates that the more intense the activity, the greater the benefit. Some of the strongest proof comes from studies on elite athletes, who spend a large portion of their lives engaged in rigorous physical activity.

A study of 2,814 French Olympians (1912–2012) found that they lived 6.5 years longer than the general population. The primary reason for this longevity? A significantly lower risk of cancer-related death. A broader meta-analysis examining 42,807 professional and elite athletes revealed that they had a 27% lower risk of cardiovascular death and an impressive 40% lower risk of cancer mortality compared to less active individuals.

However, the benefit of exercise may not come from preventing cancer entirely, but rather from stopping its spread, which is a major factor in cancer-related deaths.

How Exercise May Prevent Cancer Metastasis

Cancer progression is classified in stages, with early stages (0 and 1) indicating localized tumors and advanced stages (3 and 4) showing significant spread (metastasis). Metastatic cancer is the most dangerous, as it becomes harder to treat and more resistant to therapies. The five-year survival rate for Stage I and II melanoma is over 98%, but it drops to just 30% for Stage IV melanoma.

Since metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, preventing cancer from spreading is a crucial area of research.

The Science Behind Exercise and Cancer Prevention

A 20-year study of 2,734 individuals in Israel found that those who engaged in high-intensity exercise had a 73% lower risk of developing metastatic cancer than their inactive counterparts. Researchers then sought to understand why this type of exercise had such a profound effect.

To investigate, scientists conducted an experiment on mice, where some were put on a 12-week high-intensity treadmill program while others remained sedentary. The researchers implanted melanoma cells into all the mice to track tumor growth. The results were striking:

Active mice had significantly smaller tumors and fewer metastases.
Even when melanoma cells were directly injected into their bloodstream, the cancer struggled to spread in the active group.
Exercise appeared to make the body less hospitable to cancer cells.

The Role of Metabolism in Cancer Prevention

Upon closer examination, researchers discovered that the organs most vulnerable to metastases—lungs and lymph nodes — had undergone significant metabolic changes in the exercised mice. These tissues:

Developed more glucose receptors, allowing them to take in more sugar.
Increased their mitochondrial activity, making them more metabolically active.
Began behaving more like skeletal muscles, efficiently utilizing glucose for energy.

This metabolic transformation likely happened because, during intense exercise, muscles prioritize glucose consumption to sustain activity. Over time, organs adapt to compete for glucose, making less glucose available to cancer cells.

Since cancer cells depend on high sugar intake for rapid growth and spread, this shift in metabolism effectively starves the cancer cells, preventing their proliferation. Researchers termed this phenomenon a “metabolic shield” against metastasis.

How to Use This Information: The Best Exercise for Cancer Prevention

The key takeaway from this research is that high-intensity exercise is most effective at triggering these protective adaptations. Unlike low- to moderate-intensity activity (which primarily burns fat), high-intensity training forces the body to rely on carbohydrates (glucose) — which appears to be the mechanism behind cancer protection.

A great way to incorporate high-intensity exercise is through Sprint Interval Training, High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), and heavy weightlifting.

Exercise may not completely eliminate the risk of developing cancer, but it plays a role in preventing metastasis — the most dangerous aspect of cancer progression. By reprogramming tissues to become more energy-efficient, high-intensity exercise deprives cancer cells of the fuel they need to spread, creating a natural defense mechanism against the disease.

So whether you’re training for longevity, improving fitness, or protecting your body against cancer, making high-intensity workouts a regular part of your routine could be one of the most powerful steps toward long-term health.

Is Gym Exercise Beneficial for Cancer Survivors?

Absolutely. Cancer survivors can greatly benefit from staying active. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, moderate-intensity exercise during and after cancer treatment can:

Reduce anxiety, depression, and fatigue
Improve physical function and overall quality of life
Support bone health and sleep quality
Help maintain a healthy weight and immune function

That said, cancer patients and survivors should work with healthcare professionals to create a personalized exercise plan based on their specific needs and physical capabilities.

Stay Active, Stay Strong—Gym Exercise as a Shield Against Cancer

While no single habit guarantees protection against cancer, exercise is one of the most accessible and effective ways to lower risk and support recovery. From hormone regulation to immune system strengthening, movement plays a crucial role in safeguarding overall health. Whether you prefer a high-intensity gym workout, a brisk walk, or a yoga session, staying active is a step toward better well-being. So lace up your sneakers, find an activity you enjoy, and take control of your health — one step at a time.

Are you searching for a gym where you reap all the benefits exercise has to offer? Visit AFAC gym today to speak to our team about our affordable memberships. AFAC gym is committed to supporting your health and wellness efforts, so you’ll see the results you’re working so hard for. That’s why we were voted the best gym in Thornton, Colorado, and have hundreds of 5-star reviews.

To learn more about our top-rated gym and our incredible array of strength training and cardio equipment — as well as our unique offerings and amenities like daily group classes, cryotherapy, InBody 770 assessments, hydro massage, and our rock climbing wall and cave — we hope you will contact us or visit for a personalized tour. Our team will be happy to help you. For more information and assistance, you can also contact our gym owner, Susan, at 720-849-0245 or susan@adventurefitness.club.