Exercise Can Reduce Risk of Prostate Cancer by 35%
The results of research in the British Journal of Sports Medicine highlight that by slightly increasing the physical activity carried out to safeguard the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems, the risk of cancer decreases by 35%.
One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. With over 40 thousand new cases diagnosed in 2023 in Italy, it is, in fact, the most frequent type of cancer in men over the age of 50. And the numbers are increasing even among the youngest. However, there is a lot that can be done to limit the chances of getting sick, starting with constant physical activity: research just published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, for example, highlights that by increasing slightly (by 3% or more) cardiorespiratory fitness reduces the risk of prostate cancer by as much as 35%.
“Numerous scientific research has already demonstrated this: regularly practicing sport, or in any case exercising according to one’s possibilities, is an effective prevention strategy for many types of cancer,” underlines Bernardo Rocco, full professor of Urology at the University of Milan and director of Urology at San Paolo Hospital.
The rising scale needle is a danger starting from adolescence, as recently highlighted by the conclusions of a research study: gaining one kilo a year between the ages of 17 and 29 increases the probability of having an aggressive carcinoma by 13% and 27% that of a lethal form. And it is precisely incorrect lifestyles (smoking, sedentary lifestyle, alcohol consumption and poor diet, which often leads to being overweight) that are indicated by experts as plausible reasons for the increase in cancer cases at a young age.
“In the new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, Swedish researchers analyzed data relating to almost 58 thousand men, collected in a database that collected information on physical activity, lifestyle, general health, body mass and height. The results thus highlighted that physically more active males, those with higher levels of cardio fitness, are less likely to develop prostate cancer,” the study revealed.
“Although there are no characteristic symptoms of prostate cancer at onset,” concludes Rocco, “we must not ignore the appearance of various urinary problems.”
In conclusion, this research sheds light on the importance of increased physical activity in reducing the risk of prostate cancer and the potential benefits of regular exercise as a preventive measure.