Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men worldwide, with about 1.3 million new cases diagnosed every year.

While treatment options such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery have improved in recent years, they often have side effects that can be debilitating for men. However, studies have shown that exercise can help alleviate some of the symptoms and side effects of the disease and its treatment, leading to better physical and mental health outcomes for men with prostate cancer.

Improved Physical Health

Exercise can help men with prostate cancer maintain their physical health by preventing muscle loss and improving overall strength and endurance. Many of the treatment options for prostate cancer can cause fatigue, loss of energy, and muscle weakness.

Resistance training, such as weightlifting, has been shown to improve muscle mass and strength, which can help men maintain their physical independence and quality of life. Aerobic exercise, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, can also improve cardiovascular health and endurance, which can help men maintain a healthy weight and decrease the risk of other chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

Reduced Treatment Side Effects

Exercise can also help alleviate some of the side effects of prostate cancer treatment, especially those related to the urinary and bowel systems.

Treatment options such as surgery and radiotherapy can cause incontinence, urinary leakage, and bowel problems. However, studies have shown that pelvic floor muscle exercises, such as Kegels and other exercises that strengthen the muscles that control the bladder and bowel, can help alleviate these symptoms.

Exercise has also been shown to reduce the risk of fatigue and depression, two common side effects of prostate cancer treatment that can greatly impact a man’s quality of life.

Improved Mental Health

Exercise can also improve the mental health outcomes of men with prostate cancer. Diagnosis and treatment of cancer can cause significant emotional distress, anxiety, and depression.

Exercise has been shown to improve mood, decrease anxiety and depression, and improve overall quality of life. Studies have also shown that exercise can improve cognitive function, such as memory and attention, which may be affected by prostate cancer treatment.

Improved Sexual Function

Prostate cancer treatment can also have a significant impact on a man’s sexual function, including erectile dysfunction and decreased libido. However, exercise has been shown to improve sexual function in men with prostate cancer.

Studies have shown that aerobic exercise, resistance training, and pelvic floor muscle exercises can all improve erectile function and sexual satisfaction in men with the disease.

Improved Survival

Finally, exercise has been shown to improve survival outcomes in men with prostate cancer. Studies have shown that men who regularly engage in exercise have a lower risk of dying from prostate cancer and other causes, such as heart disease.

Exercise may also improve the effectiveness of cancer treatment, leading to better outcomes and survival rates for men with the disease.

Conclusion

Overall, exercise can have significant physical and mental health benefits for men with prostate cancer.

Resistance training, aerobic exercise, pelvic floor muscle exercises, and even simple activities such as walking or hiking can all contribute to improved physical health, reduced treatment side effects, improved mental health, improved sexual function, and even improved survival outcomes. Men with prostate cancer should speak with their healthcare provider about developing an exercise program that is safe and appropriate for their individual needs and abilities.