What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in Australian males. It is also the third most common cause of death for Australian males.
By the time a male reaches the age of 85 years; 1 in 6 will be diagnosed with Prostate cancer.
The prostate cancer statistics are shocking for men in Australia. However, research shows that Men who are physically active have a lower risk of prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer develops when abnormal cells develop in the prostate. Men only have a prostate which is why only men can suffer from prostate cancer.
These abdominal cells can continue to multiply in an uncontrolled manner and sometimes spread in distal parts of the body outside the prostate. This continual spread can lead to cancer cells being found in the bones and lymphatic system.
Benefits of Exercise on Prostate Cancer
Research also shows that for Men with prostate cancer they have a higher survival chance when undertaking regular weekly exercise involving strength training.
Many treatments for prostate cancer have a detrimental effect on the body. Hormone therapy can lean to a reduction on muscle mass and body density (osteoporosis) . Regular strength training has shown to counteract the negative side effects of hormone therapy.
Surgery for prostate cancer can cause urinary incontinence. Exercise in preparation for surgery; and in recovery from surgery can strength the pelvic floor muscles and reduce the impact of incontinence.
Strength training can also assist men with prostate cancer with improving balance. This can reduce the risk of falls which can lead to complications of bone fractures and other traumatic effects on the body.
Cardiovascular exercise has an important effect on stimulating the body’s natural level of antioxidants. This has a positive and beneficial impact of driving down inflammatory molecules in the body that drive cancer cells.
Exercise during prostate cancer treatment requires specialist considerations depending on the individual circumstances of each man. An exercise program for prostate cancer patients should be designed by an Accredited Exercise Physiologist to ensure safety and effectiveness in the program design.
Source; YouTube Prostate Cancer - An Introduction
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