Exercise & Prostate Cancer - The Evidence Stacks Up

The role that regular exercise can have in management and prevention of cancer types is becoming increasingly more widespread, in particular men with prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer among Australian men, with 20,000 new cases diagnosed each year. This form of cancer affects the prostate gland and its most common site of metastasising is into the skeletal system .

Due to this, and like any other form of cancer, early diagnosis and intervention is the key element to survivorship. These days with more specific tests, such as the blood Prostate Specific Androgen test (PSA), cancer specialists are able to earlier diagnose prostate cancer earlier with increased survivorship beyond 10 years and more.

One common treatment of prostate cancer is called Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT), aimed at reducing hormones such as testosterone which can cause tumour growth and spread. However unfortunately common side effects are common and can include:

  • Fatigue

  • Weight loss

  • Lean muscle loss

  • Increased depression and decreased cognitive function

  • Increased blood fats and unhealthy cholesterol levels.

Exercise therapy has an enormous ability to reduce the severity of the side effects and have a positive change of the individual’s quality of life. Current research show that:

  • Men who walked briskly for 90 minutes of more per week increased survivorship by 46% compared to men who walked less quickly and less often.

  • Men who exercised vigorously (bike, jogging, swimming) for three or more hours per week increased survivorship by 61%. (Please see your GP for clearance prior to beginning vigorous activity).

  • Men who completed resistance exercise 3-4 times per week reduces side effects of Androgen Deprivation Therapy and other chronic illness.

The reason for this is that the cancer cell DNA is thought to be “up-regulated” in a sedentary male, leaving the individual at risk of further tumour growth. By completing moderate to vigorous physical activity, the active “upregulated” DNA will be suppressed and therefore tumour growth and additional spread will be disturbed.

Other outstanding benefits of exercise in prostate cancer management apply to living a normal and healthy life without the worry of additional chronic illness, such as:

  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus

  • Osteoporosis

  • Cardiovascular disease

  • Neuropathies

  • Weight gain and joint pain

In these terms, exercise will keep the muscle tissue healthy for metabolic health and the reduction of elevated blood sugar levels, weight-bearing to reduce bone fractures and exercise for a healthy heart.

So the evidence stacks up and displays that exercise really is one of the best medicines you can be prescribed in your cancer management and prevention. By undertaking regular physical activity, you are increasing the likelihood of a healthy and happy life away from the burden that can be cancer. Prior to beginning any exercise therapy, please consult your treating oncologist and GP for clearance to begin.

At PACE Health Management, one of our accredited exercise physiologists can implement a specific exercise treatment plan tailored to your cancer condition; whether this be prior to diagnosis or in your rehabilitative stages.

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