In a groundbreaking revelation, a recent study highlights the powerful impact of cycling, jogging, and swimming in significantly lowering the risk of developing prostate cancer among men.
Men who increased their fitness by a modest 3% within a year demonstrated a remarkable 35% lower likelihood of developing prostate cancer compared to those whose fitness levels declined. The study’s findings emphasize the crucial role of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and underscore the importance of encouraging the general public to enhance their fitness levels or strive for moderate fitness.
Co-author of the study, Dr. Kate Bolam, suggests that, in light of these findings, men should consider incorporating enjoyable activities that elevate their heart rate into their weekly routines.
Published on January 30 in the esteemed British Journal of Sports Medicine, the study, conducted by the Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, utilized data from an extensive pool of 57,652 men. Researchers analyzed results from at least two cardiorespiratory fitness tests, assessing physical activity levels, height, body mass index (BMI), lifestyle factors, and perceived health. The annual cardiorespiratory fitness measurements were expressed by the body’s oxygen utilization during maximum exertion.
Over an average follow-up period of seven years, 592 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer, and 46 tragically succumbed to the disease. Those who experienced a 3% annual increase in fitness were found to be 35% less likely to develop the disease, although the likelihood of mortality did not decrease if diagnosed.
This groundbreaking research marks the first conclusive link between exercise and a substantial reduction in prostate cancer risk, challenging previous reports that hinted at an increased risk for men with higher cardiovascular fitness. Scientists now posit that cyclists, who are more likely to undergo cancer screenings, may experience artificially higher diagnosis rates.
Simon Grieveson, assistant director of research at Prostate Cancer UK, acknowledges the study’s significance, adding to the growing body of evidence suggesting a potential link between exercise and a reduced likelihood of prostate cancer. Matt Lambert, health information and promotion manager at World Cancer Research Fund, highlights the importance of cardiorespiratory fitness in disease prevention, emphasizing that this insightful study contributes to understanding how fitness can play a pivotal role in lowering men’s risk of prostate cancer.
