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Bowel cancer and physical activity: Can exercise change how genes work?
Last reviewed: 03.08.2025
A new study by researchers at the Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah shows that regular exercise may do more than just make colon cancer patients feel better – it may alter the activity of genes in both the tumor and the fatty tissue surrounding it.
“It’s not just about fitness,” says Vicky Bandera, a PhD student leading the project. “We’re seeing early signs that physical activity can actually change the behavior of cancer at the molecular level. This work and the necessary follow-up studies wouldn’t be possible without funding at all stages, from basic science to clinical trials to large-scale population-based observations.”
The power of movement and discovery
Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States. While screening and treatment save lives, lifestyle, including physical activity, is increasingly seen as a key factor in long-term prognosis. Bandera, who studies movement oncology, was prompted by a simple question: Could movement influence not only how you feel, but also what properties a tumor takes on as it grows?
“Seeing patients suffer from the side effects of treatment made me want to explore how we could use the resource of physical activity,” she says. “There’s a lot more to learn to match the improvements in survival we’re already seeing – and that can only happen with continued support for cancer research.”
Tracking the Link Between Physical Activity and Gene Activity in Colon Cancer
The team analyzed tumor tissue and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) — fat tissue located deep in the abdomen — from 112 patients with stage 1–3 colorectal cancer. Participants were divided into two groups:
- Active: did at least 150 minutes of moderate- or vigorous-intensity physical activity per week
- Inactive: less than 1 hour of exercise per week
Using RNA sequencing, the scientists compared gene expression in tumors and fat tissue between the groups to understand how physical activity affects biological processes.
In tumors of active patients:
- Genes associated with cancer progression (angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition) had decreased activity.
- Genes involved in energy production (oxidative phosphorylation) were also less active, possibly indicating a change in the tumor's metabolism.
In adipose tissue of active patients:
Genes related to metabolism (fatty acid breakdown, glycolysis) were more active, suggesting that exercise may affect not only the tumor but also surrounding tissue.
“What’s striking is that even deep fat near the tumor can be affected by physical activity,” Bandera explains. “It’s not just about losing weight — it could mean that your internal biology is changing in a way that makes the cancer less aggressive.”
Personalizing cancer treatment
While this study used self-reported physical activity data, Bandera hopes that future studies will use wearables, randomized trials, and molecular assays to understand exactly how exercise affects gene expression.
The goal is to generate evidence that will allow the prescription of personalized exercise regimens tailored to the molecular characteristics of the tumor.
“We already knew that physical activity helps patients in many ways, from reducing fatigue to improving survival. Now we have more evidence, this time directly from the tumour and surrounding tissue,” she says.
“This kind of research takes years of work, teams from different disciplines and a lot of funding. Without investment in infrastructure, data and collaboration, it won’t happen. If we want to truly understand how cancer works and how to stop it, we must continue to support research. By investing in science, we give people the tools to live longer, healthier lives.”
Even Without a Cancer Diagnosis: Exercise Changes the Body from the Inside Out
“It’s easy to get discouraged if you don’t see changes on the scale,” Bandera says. “But your fat cells and your genes can change in ways you don’t notice — and those changes matter. That’s one of the most empowering messages we can give patients.”