Key statistics:
September marks International Prostate Cancer Awareness month. Prostate cancer represents the most frequently diagnosed cancer among men in Australia. Each year, around 20,000 new cases are reported, reflecting an incidence rate of about 1 in 6 men over their lifetime. The survival rate is relatively high, with more than 90% of men living at least five years post-diagnosis. This is due to improved screening and treatment options. Despite these advancements, prostate cancer remains a significant cause of cancer-related deaths.
Treatments:
Treatment options for prostate cancer vary based on the stage and aggressiveness of the disease, as well as the patient's overall health. Common approaches include:
1. Surgery
2. Radiotherapy
3. Hormone Therapy
4. Chemotherapy
5. Immunotherapy
6. Targeted Therapy
Exercise Physiology for Prostate Cancer:
Exercise plays a crucial role in managing prostate cancer, both during and after treatment. Engaging in regular physical activity can help mitigate common side effects such as fatigue, nausea and weight gain. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) or hormone therapy is a common treatment to help reduce progression of prostate cancer. While this is an effective treatment, unfortunately it comes with side-effects such as reducing muscle mass and bone density, increasing risk of developing osteoporosis.
Resistance training helps preserve and even build muscle mass, counteracting the muscle-depleting effects of hormone treatment. Furthermore, resistance exercise can enhance bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis, a known side effect of long-term hormone therapy. Additionally, resistance training has been linked to improvements in metabolic health and overall quality of life, making it a valuable component of supportive care for patients undergoing hormone therapy for prostate cancer.
Exercise has been shown to improve overall physical fitness, enhance mood, and reduce anxiety, contributing to a better quality of life. Additionally, studies suggest that regular exercise may help lower the risk of cancer progression and improve survival rates by supporting immune function and reducing inflammation. For many prostate cancer patients, a tailored exercise program can be a vital component of a comprehensive care plan, aiding in recovery and overall well-being.
Exercise Recommendations:
It is recommended that men diagnosed with prostate cancer achieve 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week. Additionally, 2 sessions of resistance exercises such as resistance bands, weights or just body weight to begin with. If you’re unsure how to begin, an Accredited Exercise Physiologist can assist with providing evidence-based tailored exercise prescription.
References:
1. Galvão DA, Taaffe DR, Spry N, Joseph D, Newton RU. Combined resistance and aerobic
exercise program reverses muscle loss in men undergoing androgen suppression therapy for prostate cancer without bone metastases: a randomized controlled trial. J Clin Oncol. 2010 Jan 10;28(2):340-7. doi: 10.1200/JCO.2009.23.2488. Epub 2009 Nov 30. PMID: 19949016.
2. Exercise is Medicine Australia www.exerciseismedicine.org.au
3. Bourke L, Smith D, Steed L, Hooper R, Carter A, Catto J, Albertsen PC, Tombal B, Payne HA, Rosario DJ. Exercise for Men with Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Eur Urol. 2016 Apr;69(4):693-703. doi: 10.1016/j.eururo.2015.10.047. Epub 2015 Nov 26.
PMID: 26632144.
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