Prostate cancer is a common type of cancer among men which occurs in the prostate gland. It is usually treated with a combination of treatments like surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.

These treatments can cause side effects such as fatigue, depression, muscle loss, and decreased quality of life. Exercise is one of the ways to manage the side effects of prostate cancer treatment.

How Exercise Helps Manage Side Effects of Prostate Cancer Treatment

Exercise can improve the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health of men with prostate cancer. It is also helpful in managing the side effects of prostate cancer treatment. Here are some benefits of exercise:.

Improves Energy and Reduces Fatigue

Men undergoing prostate cancer treatment often experience fatigue and low energy levels. Exercise can alleviate these symptoms and help improve energy levels.

Studies show that physical activity improves the quality of life and reduces fatigue in men with prostate cancer.

Preserves Muscle Mass and Strength

Prostate cancer treatment can cause muscle loss, and this can lead to weakness and difficulty in carrying out daily activities. Exercise helps preserve muscle mass and strength.

Resistance training has been found to be effective in preventing muscle loss and improving muscle strength in men with prostate cancer.

Reduces the Risk of Depression

Depression is a common psychological side effect of prostate cancer treatment. Exercise has been shown to reduce the symptoms of depression and improve mood in men undergoing prostate cancer treatment.

Improves Bone Health

Prostate cancer treatment can cause bone loss, which can lead to osteoporosis. Exercise can help prevent bone loss and improve bone density. Weight-bearing exercise, such as walking and jogging, can help improve bone health in men with prostate cancer.

The Types of Exercise for Men with Prostate Cancer

Men with prostate cancer can benefit from different types of exercise. Here are some of the exercises men with prostate cancer can try:.

Aerobic Exercise

Aerobic exercise is any type of exercise that gets your heart rate up and makes you breathe harder. Examples of aerobic exercises include walking, swimming, cycling, and jogging.

These exercises improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of heart disease, which is especially important for men with prostate cancer who may be at an increased risk of heart disease due to the cancer treatment they are receiving.

Resistance Training

Resistance training is any type of exercise that involves lifting weights or using resistance bands. Resistance training can help preserve muscle mass and strength, and reduce muscle loss, which is a common side effect of prostate cancer treatment.

Examples of resistance training exercises include bench presses, bicep curls, and squats.

Flexibility Exercises

Flexibility exercises stretch your muscles and improve your range of motion. These exercises can help prevent muscle and joint pain, and reduce the risk of falls and injuries. Examples of flexibility exercises include yoga, stretching, and Pilates.

The Precautions to Take When Exercising with Prostate Cancer

While exercise is beneficial for managing the side effects of prostate cancer treatment, it is important to take some precautions when exercising. Here are some of the precautions to take:.

Consult Your Doctor

Before starting an exercise program, it is important to consult your doctor. Your doctor will help you determine the best type of exercise for you based on your overall health and any other medical conditions you may have.

Start Slowly

If you haven’t exercised regularly, it is important to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity of your workouts. This will help prevent injuries and reduce the risk of muscle soreness.

Stay Hydrated

It is important to stay hydrated when exercising, especially if you are undergoing prostate cancer treatment. Dehydration can make the side effects of treatment worse.

Listen to Your Body

It is important to listen to your body when exercising. If you experience any pain or discomfort, stop exercising and consult your doctor.

Conclusion

Exercise is a beneficial way to manage the side effects of prostate cancer treatment. It helps improve energy levels, preserve muscle mass and strength, reduce the risk of depression, and improve bone health.

Men with prostate cancer can benefit from different types of exercise, including aerobic exercise, resistance training, and flexibility exercises. While exercising, it is important to take some precautions, including consulting your doctor, starting slowly, staying hydrated, and listening to your body.