Regular exercise linked to a 35% reduced risk of prostate cancer, says study

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NEW YORK, Jan 31: A recent study suggests that men can significantly reduce their risk of developing prostate cancer by up to 35% through increased engagement in activities like jogging, cycling, or swimming. The research emphasizes the importance of enhancing cardiorespiratory fitness, with even a modest 3% increase over a year associated with a lower likelihood of prostate cancer.

Co-authored by Dr. Kate Bolam from the Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences in Stockholm, the study encourages men to focus on boosting their fitness levels as a proactive measure against prostate cancer. Dr. Bolam suggests that more intensive activities requiring lower durations and frequencies are beneficial, particularly those involving the lower body or engaging both arms and legs simultaneously.

While the study doesn’t provide specific guidance on achieving a 3% increase in cardiorespiratory fitness, Dr. Bolam advises individuals to incorporate enjoyable activities that raise heart rates into their weekly routines. The study analyzed data from 57,652 men, considering physical activity levels, height, BMI, lifestyle, perceived health, and cardiorespiratory fitness tests.

Expressed by the amount of oxygen the body uses during intense exercise, annual cardiorespiratory fitness measurements were crucial to the findings. Men were categorized based on a 3% increase, stability, or a 3% decrease in fitness each year. Over a seven-year follow-up, 592 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer, and those with a 3% annual fitness improvement were 35% less likely to develop the disease.

Published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, the study adds valuable insights to the existing body of research linking exercise to a reduced risk of prostate cancer. Simon Grieveson from Prostate Cancer UK noted the study’s contribution but highlighted the need for more conclusive evidence regarding exercise’s impact on prostate cancer risk. Matt Lambert from the World Cancer Research Fund acknowledged the study’s significance in understanding how fitness factors may contribute to lowering prostate cancer risk.

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