Is physical activity affected by different prostate cancer treatments?

This study looked at the effect that different prostate cancer treatments can have on a patient's physical activity. It concluded that a patient's level of physical activity was not affected by different prostate cancer treatments. 

Prostate cancer is a cancer (uncontrolled growth) that starts in the prostate gland. The prostate gland is a small, walnut-sized structure that makes up part of a man's reproductive system. The prostate gland produces fluid which is part of semen. The prostate gland sits between the bladder and the rectum. It also forms a ring around the urethra (the tube which carries urine out of the body). Uncontrolled growth of this gland may affect urinary and sexual function. 

Treatments for prostate cancer include surgery (to remove the gland), chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy or medications. All prostate cancer therapies aim to stop the cancer growing. 

696 men with prostate cancer were included in this study. The men had an average age of 70 years old. These men were given questionnaires to assess their physical activity, the side effects of their cancer treatment and their quality of life. Physical activity level was assessed based on how often patients were active. The cancer treatments included in the study were prostatectomy (removal of the prostate) radiotherapy (using radiation to remove the cancer) and hormone therapy. 

Side effects experienced by patients in the study were urinary incontinence (sudden urge to urinate), urinary obstruction (blockage in the urinary system which may affect the ability to urinate), bowel-related symptoms and sexual dysfunction. No significant difference was found between the treatment groups and the levels of physical activity that each patient could do. Patients who experienced bowel-related symptoms did have decreased physical activity levels, though this decreased level was not significant. Long term hormone therapy could also affect physical activity levels. 

This study concluded that a prostate cancer patient's physical activity levels are not significantly affected by side effects from different cancer treatments. 

The authors note that the measure for the patient's physical activity was a questionnaire. This method may have affected the study's results. 

If you are interested in learning more about the possible effects of some prostate cancer treatments on your ability to be physically active, talk to your doctor.