Improving Physical Fitness Significantly Reduces Prostate Cancer Risk, Study Finds

Numerous studies have linked regular exercise to a lower risk of cancer. A new study suggests that improving physical fitness can significantly reduce the risk of prostate cancer, a diagnosis that affects approximately 113 out of every 100,000 men annually in the U.S.

Published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, the study found that men whose cardiorespiratory fitness improved by at least 3% annually over five years were 35% less likely to develop prostate cancer compared to those whose fitness declined by 3% annually. This correlation held true regardless of their initial fitness levels.

Dr. William Oh, chief medical officer of the Prostate Cancer Foundation, commented on the findings: “No matter your age, life stage, or current fitness, even modest improvements in fitness can significantly lower your risk of developing prostate cancer.”

Cardiorespiratory fitness measures how efficiently the heart and lungs deliver oxygen to muscles during exercise. Researchers from the Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences analyzed data from over 57,000 Swedish men, starting as early as 1982. These men took fitness tests involving stationary biking, where their oxygen usage was estimated based on heart rate during vigorous exercise. The men were then tracked for prostate cancer development over an average period of seven years.

The study’s co-author, Kate Bolam, emphasized the benefits of activities that elevate heart rates, such as jogging, hiking, or swimming. “Aim for vigorous-intensity activities where maintaining a conversation is difficult,” she advised.

Previous studies had mixed results regarding exercise and prostate cancer risk. Some even suggested higher fitness levels could increase risk, likely due to confounding factors like increased cancer screening among those who exercise more, explained Dr. June Chan, a urology professor at the University of California, San Francisco.

The Swedish study found the greatest risk reduction in men with moderate fitness levels initially, suggesting those already very active may not see additional benefits, and those less active might have other health risks overshadowing fitness improvements.

Although the study did not find a link between improved fitness and reduced prostate cancer mortality, likely due to the small number of deaths, other research indicates that enhancing cardiorespiratory fitness can lower overall cancer mortality risk. For example, a study last year highlighted that at least 120 minutes of moderate or 40 minutes of strenuous exercise weekly reduced cancer patients’ overall death risk.

Chan’s previous research also supports intense exercise for improving outcomes in diagnosed prostate cancer patients, showing vigorous exercise substantially improves survival rates and brisk walking can delay cancer progression.

While genetic factors significantly influence prostate cancer risk, Dr. Oh noted that lifestyle choices remain crucial. “We can’t control our genetics or environment fully, but we can control our lifestyle,” he concluded.