High intensity exercise can improve a man’s chances of beating prostate cancer!

More than 16,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year. In Australia Prostate cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers accounting for 23.1% of new cancers diagnoses amongst men.
New evidence from the American Cancer Society shows that moderate to high intensity exercise can improve a man’s chances of beating prostate cancer. The study included more that 10,000 men over the age of 50 who were diagnosed with localised prostate cancer meaning it had not spread beyond the gland. The men with the highest levels of exercise prior to diagnosis where 30% less likely to die of prostate cancer than those who were unfit.

More exercise seemed to deliver an even bigger benefit: The study found that Men who increased their exercise after diagnosis where 34% less likely to die of prostate cancer than those who continued to be inactive.

While this study wasn’t designed to prove cause, and effect these results provide strong evidence that prostate cancer survivors benefit from increasing their strength and fitness, which is why the American Cancer Society has a standing recommendation to promote physical activity amongst prostate cancer patients.

Dr Elizabeth Kaveler a urology specialist cited “This study reinforces that a healthy lifestyle, including exercise, is one of the few aspects of post-cancer outcome that a patient can control.” Fellow Urologist Dr. Manish Vira agreed, “This adds to the growing body of evidence that regular exercise is associated with better prostate cancer outcomes,” he said. “Multiple studies have shown improvements in other cancers as well, including breast, colon and lung cancer.”

“Regular exercise improves patients’ cardiovascular health, quality of life, and likely, their overall ability to fight disease,” Vira added.
This growing body of evidence that exercise can be an effective synergistic treatment even in advanced stages is changing the way we think about prostate cancer. For more specific advice please speak to your Doctor or call Body Smart on 1300 630 204.