Physical activity affects long-term survival after prostate cancer

This study examined the effect of physical activity on long-term prostate cancer survival. Researchers reported a strong link between higher physical activity and increasing survival after prostate cancer diagnosis.

Advances in treatment and early detection of prostate cancer have improved treatment outcomes. This has led to a growing number of men living with prostate cancer. Identifying risk factors that could impact the long-term prognosis of prostate cancer is, therefore, increasingly important. A number of studies have suggested that physical activity could protect against disease recurrence and improve survival. However, more high-quality evidence is needed to help understand the link between physical activity and survival after prostate cancer diagnosis.

This study aimed to evaluate different types and intensities of physical activity relative to prostate cancer survival.

830 men with prostate cancer were included in this study. 77% of men had localized prostate cancer (stage 2). 6.9% of men had locally advanced prostate cancer (stage 3). 15.8% of men had advanced prostate cancer with some form of cancer spread (stage 3 and 4). A record was kept on lifestyles, physical activity, and overall health both before and after diagnosis. Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) was used to express the energy cost of physical activities. The higher the MET, the more strenuous the activity (an MET of 1 is considered resting). Health outcomes were followed for up to 17 years.

458 men died over the course of the study. 170 of these deaths were due to prostate cancer. The 5-year overall survival rate (time from diagnosis until death from any cause) was 88%. At the first follow-up (on average 2.5 years after diagnosis), 239 men showed cancer recurrence or progression.

Men that were more physically active after diagnosis (overall MET per week higher than 119) showed a 42% reduced risk of mortality from any cause. This is compared to men that were less physically active after diagnosis (overall MET per week of 42 or less). Mortality due to prostate cancer was also significantly reduced by 28% among men with higher total physical activity.

Every type of physical activity studied was found to reduce the risk of mortality from any cause and due to cancer. This included physical activity during recreational activities, activity during occupation, and vigorous exercise. For example, mortality risk due to prostate cancer was reduced by 38% among men undertaking vigorous physical activity for 1 to 3.5 hours per week. This is compared to men undertaking no (0 hours) of vigorous physical activity.

Men that were physically active both before and after diagnosis experienced the highest overall survival. They were 34% more likely to survive the study follow-up than men that were less active both before and after diagnosis.

This study concluded that higher physical activity was consistently associated with increased survival. Researchers concluded that physical activity should be strongly advised for prostate cancer patients and survivors. 

Discuss with your physician ways to safely incorporate physical activity into your lifestyle.