September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month!
Today, Longevity Exercise Physiology Drummoyne, Edgecliff, Marrickville, Bella Vista, Randwick, Pymble, Balmain, Neutral Bay, Coburg – Melbourne, and Barrie, Ontario – Canada discuss the benefits of exercise for men diagnosed with prostate cancer.
What is Prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is typically slow growing and refers to the malignant (invasive) growth of cells in the prostate gland.
- 1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer by the age of 85
- It is more common in older men, with over 63% of cases diagnosed in men over 65 years of age
- Over past years, the number of prostate cancer diagnoses has increased to more than 19,000 each year in Australia
- Compared with other cancers, prostate cancer has one of the highest five-year survival rates if it is diagnosed early
- The causes of it are unknown, but factors that can increase the risk include older age (60 to 79) and family history
Prostate cancer treatments vary and may include radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy. There are various acute and chronic side effects of treatment which have specific considerations. Longevity Exercise Physiologists specialise in cancer management and specifically in prostate cancer care, with focus on maintaining client long-term health and reducing the risk of secondary disease, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis.
Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) is a hormone therapy used in the treatment of prostate cancer. The effects of ADT include:
- Reduced bone mass
- Increased risk of fracture
- Reduced lean muscle mass
- Reduced strength
- Increased fat mass
One in six men in Australia will be diagnosed with prostate cancer by the age of 85. While many of these men can and will survive the disease, living with the body changes that prostate cancer treatment can bring can be a battle in itself. The good news is some negative side effects can be reduced through a regime of exercise, which can also help to improve survival rates.
“Compared with other cancers, prostate cancer has one of the highest five-year survival rates if it is diagnosed early”
The benefits of exercise
Exercise has a range of benefits for people undergoing treatment, let’s explore the benefits of regular exercise through/and post prostate cancer treatment.
Exercise…
- Improves bone health and bone mass
- Improves muscle mass and strength
- Improves balance and reduces risk of falling
- Improves urinary incontinence
- Improves weight management
- Improves mental health and quality of life
- Reduces the risk of dying from prostate cancer
- Reduces risk of prostate cancer coming back
- Reduces risk of all-cause mortality
- Helps to reverse treatment side effects
“Clients diagnosed with prostate cancer should aim to reach physical activity guidelines >150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity aerobic exercise.”
In addition, 2-3 days per week of high-quality and specific resistance exercise training are needed. Individualised exercise is recommended, as clients will have specific considerations for exercise based on their symptoms, side effects, treatments, and individual capacity. Cancer treatments may be associated with acute/early or late/chronic side-effects. Maximising functional ability, minimising the risk of secondary disease, and reducing the risk of falls are key elements of any exercise program for prostate cancer clients.
If you have any questions regarding safe and effective exercise for prostate cancer, seek professional help with a Longevity Exercise Physiologist.
There are things you can do that may help to reduce the risk of getting prostate cancer. Aside from a good diet and body weight, there is evidence to show regular physical activity and exercise can be protective factors… so get in touch with a Longevity Exercise Physiologist’s today!
Call Longevity Exercise Physiology Drummoyne, Edgecliff, Marrickville, Bella Vista, Randwick, Pymble, Balmain, Neutral Bay, Coburg – Melbourne. and Barrie, Ontario – Canada on 1300 964 002 to enquire today!
Written By Matthew Skelly