Exercise and Prostate Cancer

In 2017 more than 200,000 Australian men were living with prostate cancer. To be more specific, 16,500 Australian men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year; 95% of which will be in remission five years after their diagnosis 

With such prevalence and high survivorship, it’s important that we look at how we can reduce our risk of developing prostate cancer, managing through treatment, and improve our quality of life post-treatment. One aspect that has gained considerable evidence to support its efficacy is exercise.

There is a strong link between prostate cancer and lifestyle.

Systematic reviews have shown that those men who meet the National Physical Activity Guidelines of 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity activity have a lower incidence of prostate cancer than those men who exercise less. An example of this might be walking at a brisk pace so that you’re slightly breathless. 

Exercise plays an important role in the treatment of, and recovery from prostate cancer, through reducing the number and severity of treatment-related side effects and symptoms (such as fatigue, sexual dysfunction, muscle loss, and anxiety and depression), as well as improving or maintaining function during and after treatment.

In one study, they found 57% reduced progression rates among men with prostate cancer who walked briskly for more than 3 hours weekly. Several more recent large follow-up studies provide further evidence for physical activity in reducing prostate cancer–specific mortality

What’s the key message to men regarding looking after themselves, specifically their physical health? 

Our main message would be to set up physical activity to be a part of your daily routine.

We often find ourselves prioritising other aspects of our life such as work, family, or other hobbies at the expense of our own physical health. If we aren’t able to look after ourselves we can’t look after others.

You might start by scheduling exercise into your diary or calendar and treat it like any other appointment. Start simply by scheduling a 10 minute exercise “appointment” into your calendar such as stretching, some body weight exercise, or a walk.

Slowly increase the duration of your “appointments” until you have worked up to 30 minutes most days of the week.  

Of course, if you are not sure where to begin - get in touch with our friendly PACE team.