Is Regular Exercise Effective in Reducing Prostate Cancer Risk?

While regular exercise has many benefits for one’s health, its associations with a reduced risk of developing prostate cancer has been limited. Past and present observational studies have had mixed results, with most showing a decreased risk, some showing no clear relationship and some even showing an increased risk. Together with the issues around controls, comorbidities and other contributing factors, these conclusions have not been very clear.

Fortunately, studies that show the benefits of exercise with regards to lowering prostate cancer risk are on the rise, with more showing the health benefits of regular exercise that may contribute to the prevention of prostate cancer.

Exercise might influence prostate cancer risk through several mechanisms.

• Maintain healthy body weight

Obesity has been linked with particularly aggressive forms of prostate cancer as well as increased risk of prostate cancer recurrence. It can also interfere with screening methods for early detection of prostate cancer such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests or digital rectal exams.

For example, obese people tend to have lower PSA levels, so those who do have early-stage prostate cancer may be more likely to have a false negative screening result. It may also be more difficult to carry out rectal exams in obese individuals. Maintaining a healthy body weight can help to reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

• Regulate hormone levels

Physical activity can regulate hormone levels that some prostate cancers make use of to grow. However, current studies have suggested that more rigorous physical activity may be needed to influence hormone levels to have a significant enough effect on prostate cancer prevention. More conclusive evidence is needed to confirm this.

• Improve immune function

Regular physical activity has been shown to have a positive impact on immune function. Investigations on molecular pathways have shown that regular physical activity will improve immunosurveillance and immunocompetence.

• Reduce inflammation

Inflammation is a natural process that the body's immune system uses to respond to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens (e.g. bacteria and viruses), injuries, or irritants. Acute inflammation is generally beneficial but chronic inflammation can be damaging to the body in terms of tissue dysfunction, which leads to its association with cancer. It has been known that regular moderate exercise promotes an anti-inflammatory status which, in the long run, helps to prevent chronic diseases such as cancer.

As the results of studies are not entirely conclusive, there are no formal recommendations on the type of exercise that will lower your prostate cancer risk. Moderate physical activity or sports associated with a healthy lifestyle is a factor that modulates risk of prostate cancers.

However, an increased risk of prostate cancer has been associated with intensive physical activity that corresponds to a metabolic activity level of above 6 MET. The recommended level of physical activity is between 3 and 5 MET. At this level, you may feel moderate shortness of breath, but would still be able to maintain a conversation while exercising.

Still, various forms of exercise, including aerobic activities (e.g. walking, jogging, swimming) and strength training (e.g. weightlifting, resistance exercises), have been known to result in multiple health benefits that may indirectly help to prevent prostate cancer. It is generally agreed that 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity a week can bring about a myriad of health benefits.

Consistency in exercise habits over the long term appears to be important for maintaining the potential protective effect against prostate cancer.

Regular exercise is most effective when combined with other healthy lifestyle habits, such as a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy body weight, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

Before starting a new exercise regimen, especially for individuals with existing health conditions, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure that the chosen activities are safe and appropriate for your specific situation.

While exercise is associated with a reduced prostate cancer risk, it's important to note that it does not guarantee the prevention of prostate cancer. Genetic factors, family history and other aspects of overall health also contribute to individual risk.

Learn more: Are You at Risk of Prostate Cancer?

Remember, regular exercise offers a multitude of health benefits beyond potential cancer risk reduction. It's an important component of overall well-being and should be part of a comprehensive approach to maintaining good health.