Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer that affects men. Fortunately, it is also one of the most treatable if caught early enough. Traditional treatments for prostate cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

However, there is another form of treatment that is gaining recognition for its effectiveness – exercise.

What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the prostate gland. The prostate gland is a small, walnut-shaped gland located below the bladder in men.

The function of the prostate gland is to produce seminal fluid, which nourishes and transports sperm. When prostate cells start to grow uncontrollably, they can form a tumor. If these cancerous cells spread to other parts of the body, it is known as metastatic prostate cancer.

How is prostate cancer treated?

There are several treatment options for prostate cancer. The choice of treatment depends on several factors, including the stage of the cancer, the patient’s age and overall health, and the patient’s preferences.

The most common treatments for prostate cancer include:.

Surgery: During surgery, the entire prostate gland is removed along with any surrounding tissue that contains cancer cells.
Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It can be administered externally or internally.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a type of systemic treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells.
Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy works by blocking the hormones that fuel the growth of prostate cancer cells.

How can exercise help?

Exercise has been proven to have numerous health benefits, and it is now being recognized as a crucial part of prostate cancer treatment. Here are some of the benefits of exercise for prostate cancer patients:.

: 1. Reduces the risk of cancer recurrence

Studies have shown that regular exercise can reduce the risk of prostate cancer recurrence.

One study found that patients who exercised at least three hours per week had a 61% lower risk of dying from prostate cancer than patients who exercised less than one hour per week.

: 2. Increases overall survival

Regular exercise has been shown to increase overall survival in prostate cancer patients.

One study found that patients who exercised at least three hours per week had a 35% lower risk of dying from prostate cancer than patients who exercised less than one hour per week.

: 3. Reduces side effects of treatment

Prostate cancer treatments can cause side effects such as fatigue, muscle weakness, and decreased mobility. Regular exercise can help reduce these side effects and improve quality of life.

Exercise has also been shown to reduce the risk of depression and anxiety in cancer patients.

: 4. Improves cardiovascular health

Prostate cancer patients have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease due to the treatments and the cancer itself. Regular exercise can help improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of heart disease.

: 5. Builds strength

Prostate cancer treatments can cause muscle loss and weakness. Exercise can help build and maintain muscle strength, which can improve overall physical functioning and quality of life.

What types of exercise are recommended?

The American Cancer Society recommends that prostate cancer patients engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week. Some recommended exercises include:.

Walking: Walking is a low-impact exercise that is easy to do and can be done anywhere.
Swimming: Swimming is a great cardiovascular exercise that is easy on the joints.
Biking: Biking is a low-impact exercise that can be done outdoors or indoors on a stationary bike.
Strength training: Strength training can help build and maintain muscle mass. It can be done with weights, resistance bands, or bodyweight exercises.

Conclusion

Exercise is a crucial part of prostate cancer treatment. It can help reduce the risk of cancer recurrence, increase overall survival, reduce side effects of treatment, improve cardiovascular health, and build strength.

Prostate cancer patients should aim to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week. Talk to your doctor before starting any exercise program.