Elevating cardiorespiratory fitness may considerably lower the incidence of prostate cancer, according to new research that was published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences evaluated data from over 57,000 Swedish males who had joined a health database since 1982, according to a report from NBC News.
Exercise Can Significantly Reduce Risk
The research found that men whose cardiorespiratory fitness increased by 3% or more over three years were 35% less likely to acquire prostate cancer than those whose fitness dropped. This risk reduction held true regardless of the men's initial fitness levels.
The research showed that even a minor fitness gain might considerably reduce prostate cancer risk, regardless of age or beginning fitness level, according to Prostate Cancer Foundation Chief Medical Officer Dr. William Oh.
A man jogs at a Los Angeles state park on March 20, 2020, a day after Los Angeles County announced a near-lockdown, urging all residents to stay home except for essential needs.
Cardiorespiratory fitness proved significant, assessing the heart and lungs' ability to supply oxygen to muscles during exercise. Fitness assessments included stationary bike riding and oxygen volume measurements after strenuous activity. A higher volume indicated better fitness.
Co-author Kate Bolam highlighted the importance of engaging in activities that elevate heart rates for improved cardiorespiratory fitness. She recommended vigorous activities like jogging, hiking, swimming, or even line dancing.
The multi-year, spaced-apart study found that cardiorespiratory fitness practices may lower prostate cancer risk. These results suggest lifestyle modifications may reduce prostate cancer risk, which affects 113 out of 100,000 US males.
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Prostate Cancer UK Assistant Director of Research Simon Grieveson emphasized the study's importance in supporting earlier results that exercise may lower prostate cancer risk. While not directly engaged in the study, he stressed the need for further data to prove that physical exercise reduces prostate cancer risk.
Matt Lambert, Health Information and Promotion Manager at the World Cancer Research Fund stressed the importance of cardiorespiratory fitness for health and lifespan. Lambert found the findings informative.
"This insightful study adds to the evidence around how risk factors such as fitness may play a role in reducing men's risk of prostate cancer," he remarked, per The Guardian.
Who's At Risk of Getting Prostate Cancer?
The research emphasizes exercise, although all men are at risk of prostate cancer, with age being a major issue. Of every 100 American males, 13 will acquire prostate cancer, and 2-3 will die. African Americans and those with a prostate cancer family history are at risk.
Many men with prostate cancer have no symptoms. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urged men to watch for indications including difficulties commencing urination, weak or interrupted urine flow, frequent urination (particularly at night), problems emptying the bladder, discomfort during urination, blood in urine or semen, and back, hip, or pelvic pain. Consider seeing a doctor immediately if you are experiencing these symptoms.
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