Exercise May Improve Prostate Cancer Survival

 

According to a recent study, exercise may help reduce the risk of death in patients with prostate cancer.Researchers from Harvard School of Public Health, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the University of California analyzed data from 2,705 men who participated in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study and were diagnosed with non-metastatic prostate cancer over an 18-year period. The men answered questions about their exercise habits.

The researchers found that both vigorous and non-vigorous types of exercise were associated with better survival rates. Men who walked at least 90 minutes per week at a normal-to-brisk pace were 46 percent less likely to die from any cause compared to men who exercised for shorter periods at an easy pace. Men who engaged in vigorous exercise (such as biking, tennis, jogging or swimming) for at least three hours per week had a 49 percent lower risk of death from any cause.

Although the results are promising, more research is needed before conclusions can be made.

Reference:
Stacey A. Kenfield, Meir J. Stampfer, Edward Giovannucci and June M. Chan “Physical Activity and Survival After Prostate Cancer Diagnosis in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study.Journal of Clinical Oncology 2011 Jan 4.

Republished with permission of Natural Standards Research Collaboration ©2011.