Physical Activity and Prostate Cancer
Physical activity could slow progression of Prostate Cancer. Submitted by Tilton Fitness.
Physical activity could slow progression of prostate cancer.
Men with higher levels of physical activity may slow the progression of prostate cancer and reduce their risk of dying, according to a new study using data from the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study. Earlier studies suggested there might be a relationship between older men and a lower risk of prostate cancer because of physical activity, but results were inconclusive. The research team decided to find out if there was a connection.
The number of cases of incident, advanced, fatal, and high-grade prostate cancer was determined for 47,620 U.S. male health professionals in the study. Participants were asked to report the average time per week they took part in the following activities during the past year: walking or hiking outdoors, jogging, running, bicycling, lap swimming, tennis, squash or racquetball, and calisthenics or rowing.
After 14 years, there were 2,892 new cases of prostate cancer. There was no association between physical activity and all cancers. But, there was a lower risk in men 65 years and older who had the most vigorous activity.
According to the authors, "men 65 years or older engaging in at least three hours of vigorous physical activity weekly had a markedly lower risk (almost 70%) of being diagnosed as having high-grade, advanced or fatal prostate cancer. Although the mechanisms are not yet understood, these findings suggest that vigorous activity could slow the progression of prostate cancer and might be recommended to reduce mortality from prostate cancer, particularly given the many other documented benefits of exercise."
Information submitted 5-31-05.
References
Archives of Internal Medicine, 165, 1005-1010 (2005)