Men can reduce their chances of developing prostate cancer by more than a third by jogging, cycling and swimming more, a study suggests.
According to the researchers, increasing your cardiovascular fitness by 3% per year reduces your risk of developing the disease by 35%, but also reduces your risk of dying.
The Swedish study analyzed data on physical activity levels, height, body mass index (BMI), information on lifestyle and perceived health status, and the results of at least two cardiopulmonary fitness tests in 57,652 men.
Annual measurements of cardiorespiratory fitness were expressed as the amount of oxygen used by the body during the most strenuous exercise possible.
Men were divided into groups depending on whether this increased by 3%, remained stable, or decreased by 3% each year.
During an average follow-up period of seven years, the researchers found that 592 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer and 46 died from prostate cancer.
People who improved their fitness by 3% each year were 35% less likely to develop cancer than those who decreased their fitness.
The researchers said the findings, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, “could help the general public improve their CRF (cardiorespiratory fitness) or aim to reach moderate fitness levels. This highlights the important role of
Simon Grieveson, assistant director of Prostate Cancer Research UK, said: “This adds to previous research showing there may be a link between exercise and a reduced chance of developing prostate cancer. “This is an interesting study.”
“Staying healthy and eating a balanced diet on a regular basis is good for all men’s general health and well-being, but physical activity can increase a man’s risk of getting prostate cancer, or if the prostate gland It is not clear whether it can reduce the risk of death from cancer.
“What we know is that men over the age of 50, black men over the age of 45, and men with a family history of prostate cancer are all at increased risk of developing prostate cancer.
“Prostate cancer is often asymptomatic in its more treatable early stages, so it’s important that men understand their own risks. With Prostate Cancer UK’s 30 Second Risk Checker, you can now You can do this.
“The earlier prostate cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat.”
Matt Lambert, Health Information and Advancement Manager at the World Cancer Research Fund, said: This insightful study adds to the evidence of how risk factors such as fitness may play a role in reducing prostate cancer risk in men.
“This year’s Cancer Prevention Action Week, which begins on February 19th, is an opportunity to increase your physical activity levels and start feeling the benefits, including becoming healthier and reducing your risk of cancer. I am calling on the people to do the same.”