Increasing Cardio Fitness May Drastically Lower Prostate Cancer Risk

Even marginal improvements in cardiovascular fitness could substantially slash the likelihood of prostate cancer in men, as per findings unveiled by researchers.

A report published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine on Tuesday underscores that an annual uptick of 3% or more in aerobic fitness is correlated with a notable 35% drop in prostate cancer risk.

Dr. Kate Bolam, leading the research team from the Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences GIH in Stockholm, suggests that bolstering cardiorespiratory fitness among adult males should be encouraged as it may serve as a preventive measure against prostate cancer.

While the benefits of physical activity on overall cancer risk are well-documented, the specific link between fitness levels and prostate cancer risk has been less explored, note researchers.

To delve into this relationship, the team scrutinized data from nearly 58,000 men cataloged in a national occupational health database. These men had undergone at least two cardio fitness assessments, gauged through stationary bike pedaling. The database also encompassed details on lifestyle, physical activity, and body mass index.

The men were categorized based on their fitness trajectories over time—those witnessing a yearly improvement of 3% or more, a decline exceeding 3%, or those with stable fitness levels.

Over an average follow-up duration of almost seven years, approximately 600 men received a prostate cancer diagnosis, with nearly 50 succumbing to the disease.

Overall, individuals witnessing a yearly boost in cardio fitness showcased a 2% lower risk of prostate cancer compared to those with stagnant or declining fitness levels.

Delving deeper, men experiencing a yearly uptick of 3% or more in fitness exhibited a striking 35% reduction in prostate cancer risk compared to those witnessing a decline.

However, the study did not establish a statistical link between cardio fitness and the risk of prostate cancer-related mortality.

Interestingly, the baseline level of fitness also played a role. Only men starting with a moderate fitness level observed a notable 15% reduction in prostate cancer risk.