By Dr. David Samadi
Exercise plays a pivotal role in promoting prostate health, particularly in the battle against prostate cancer. While diet is crucial, research led by June Chan, Sc.D., at UCSF underscores the profound benefits of exercise. According to Chan’s studies, aerobic exercise post-diagnosis correlates with a significant reduction for the risk of prostate cancer recurrence or mortality by as much as 60%. Initially, her research highlighted intensive jogging, which, though beneficial, is only sustainable for some. Recent findings now emphasize more feasible routines, such as brisk walking for at least 30 minutes daily or three hours per week, yielding a 57% lower recurrence risk than less vigorous activity.
Chan stresses that any form of movement, such as walking, holds immense value, enhancing bone health and overall well-being. She advises against fixating on metrics like step count or duration, urging individuals to enjoy physical activity as a refreshing break rather than a chore. Notably, the cardiovascular benefits of exercise are essential, encouraging adaptation to personal capabilities—whether through swimming, cycling, or other activities.
Beyond its cardiovascular effects, exercise boosts energy metabolism, reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, strengthens immunity, and positively impacts androgen signaling pathways. This multifaceted impact extends to improving muscle strength, burning fat, and alleviating fatigue, anxiety, and depression, thereby enhancing quality of life and potentially slowing prostate cancer progression.
Ongoing research by Chan explores exercise’s biological mechanisms, examining its systemic and anti-androgenic effects through clinical trials and biomarker analyses. Notably, current trials, including a global phase 3 study funded by Movember, investigate high-intensity exercise’s potential benefits for men with metastatic prostate cancer, aiming to prolong and improve their lives.
Strength training, complementing aerobic exercise, proves pivotal, especially for men undergoing androgen deprivation therapy. It counters muscle loss and mitigates associated risks like osteoporosis and metabolic disorders. Chan advises starting exercise gradually and consulting healthcare providers for tailored programs to ensure safety and efficacy.
In conclusion, while no lifestyle change guarantees protection against prostate cancer, sustained commitment to exercise and healthy habits significantly enhances overall health and resilience. Individuals can foster long-term well-being and resilience against prostate cancer by integrating manageable physical activity into daily routines.
Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.