Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men, with an estimated 1.3 million new cases diagnosed worldwide in 2018 alone. While treatment options exist, many prostate cancer patients struggle with the fear of recurrence or progression.

Fortunately, recent research has uncovered some surprising factors that can help prolong prostate cancer patients’ lives. Here are ten of them:.

1. Exercise

Studies have suggested that regular exercise can improve prostate cancer patients’ survival rates.

One study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that men who engaged in at least three hours of physical activity per week had a 35% lower risk of prostate cancer-specific mortality than those who engaged in less than one hour per week.

Another study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that men who engaged in vigorous physical activity after diagnosis had a 61% lower risk of prostate cancer-specific mortality than those who did not engage in vigorous physical activity.

2. Diet

A healthy diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and low in saturated fats can help prostate cancer patients live longer.

One study published in Cancer Prevention Research found that men who adhered to a low-fat, high-fiber diet had better survival rates than those who didn’t. Another study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that men who consumed more red meat had a higher risk of dying from prostate cancer, while men who consumed more fish had a lower risk.

3. Positive Attitude

A positive attitude can go a long way when it comes to managing prostate cancer.

A study published in Cancer found that prostate cancer patients who reported a positive attitude had lower levels of pain, distress, and depression than those who reported a negative attitude. Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that prostate cancer patients who participated in group therapy had better quality of life and lower rates of depression than those who didn’t.

Having a strong support network can also help prostate cancer patients live longer.

One study published in Cancer found that prostate cancer patients who reported high levels of social support had lower levels of depression and anxiety and better quality of life than those who reported low levels of social support. Another study published in Psycho-Oncology found that prostate cancer patients who participated in a support group had better quality of life and lower levels of distress than those who didn’t.

5. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction

Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is a type of therapy that can help prostate cancer patients manage stress and anxiety.

One study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that prostate cancer patients who participated in MBSR had lower levels of stress and anxiety and better quality of life than those who didn’t. Another study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that MBSR reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety in prostate cancer patients.

6. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a type of alternative therapy that can help alleviate pain and other side effects of prostate cancer treatment.

One study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that prostate cancer patients who received acupuncture had lower levels of pain, fatigue, and anxiety than those who received a placebo. Another study published in Supportive Care in Cancer found that acupuncture reduced hot flashes and other side effects of androgen deprivation therapy in prostate cancer patients.

7. Yoga

Yoga is another alternative therapy that can help prostate cancer patients manage pain, stress, and anxiety.

One study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that prostate cancer patients who participated in a yoga program had lower levels of fatigue and better quality of life than those who didn’t. Another study published in Psycho-Oncology found that yoga reduced symptoms of anxiety in prostate cancer patients.

8. Spiritual Well-Being

Spiritual well-being can also play a role in prostate cancer patients’ survival rates.

One study published in the Journal of Cancer Survivorship found that prostate cancer patients who reported higher levels of spiritual well-being had better quality of life and lower levels of depression than those who reported lower levels. Another study published in the Journal of Psychosocial Oncology found that spiritual well-being was associated with better physical and mental health outcomes in prostate cancer patients.

9. Sleep Quality

Getting enough quality sleep is important for prostate cancer patients’ overall health and well-being.

One study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that poor sleep quality was associated with worse quality of life, more depression, and higher levels of stress in prostate cancer patients. Another study published in Supportive Care in Cancer found that sleep disturbances were associated with worse physical and mental health outcomes in prostate cancer patients.

10. Medication Adherence

Finally, prostate cancer patients who adhere to their medication regimen can improve their chances of living longer.

One study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that prostate cancer patients who adhered to their androgen deprivation therapy had better survival rates than those who didn’t. Another study published in the Journal of Urology found that prostate cancer patients who adhered to their radiation therapy had better cancer-specific survival rates than those who didn’t.