A recent study from Finland has found that exercise can help increase cancer-fighting white blood cells. Twenty female participants who'd recently been diagnosed with breast cancer took part in the study, exercising on static bikes for 30 minutes. Finnish researchers looked at twenty cancer patients recently diagnosed with breast cancer, with none of the women having yet started cancer treatment. Participants were asked to pedal an indoor bike for 30 minutes but could choose their own resistance. Researchers took blood samples from the women before, during and after they started exercising. They found that when the women were pedalling, the number of cancer-destroying cells in their body increased while the number of cancer-promoting cells did not increase and, in some cases, were reduced. According to Health Club Management, researchers aren't sure where the white blood cells go after the women stop cycling, but 'in pre-clinical studies, cancer-destroying cells have been seen to migrate to the tumour area.' White blood cells are part of the body's immune system. The study's lead researcher, Tiia Koivula, reported on the Sport's Management website that the balance of different white blood cells determines whether the body's immune system is working to destroy or support cancer. More cancer-destroying cells in the tumour area mean the body is better able to fight cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, physical activity helps regulate some cancer-related hormones while keeping the immune system healthy. Studies also show that aerobic fitness can decrease cancer's side effects, including fatigue and the risk of cancer recurrence and death. It can also help promote and maintain mobility and mental health. The latter is especially important for those facing such a significant diagnosis. Unrelated to this story but worth briefly mentioning is something we wrote about several months ago when hospital patients in North Wales saw positive health outcomes from 'prehab'. Prehabilitation was a short programme where individuals would exercise before and after a serious operation. Hospitals saw improved recovery time and reduced post-surgical complications and hospital readmissions. Clearly, this isn't a magic bullet for cancer treatment. You're not going to cure breast cancer (or any other cancer) by riding a bike for 30 minutes, but the results are promising. Exercise does appear to have a positive impact on cancer-fighting white blood cells and could be integrated with other conventional therapies. Unlock Exclusive Black Friday Deals! Ready to supercharge your workouts and power your lifestyle with our electricity-generating RE:GEN bike? This Black Friday, we’re offering our biggest discounts yet—but only for those in the know. Join the list today and power your way to savings!