Men can reduce their risk of prostate cancer by up to 35% by jogging, cycling and swimming a little more, research suggests.
It turns out that improving your cardiovascular fitness by just 3% over a year can make you much less likely to develop the disease. The findings prompted researchers to encourage men to increase their fitness levels to reduce their risk of prostate cancer.
“The more intensive the activity, the lower the requirements for duration and frequency,” said study co-author Kate Bolam, Ph.D., of the Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences in Stockholm. “Using more muscles also puts aerobic strain on the cardiovascular system.
“Therefore, for a more pronounced effect, activities that use the lower body, such as brisk walking, jogging, hiking, or activities that make it difficult to carry on a conversation, or that preferably use both arms and legs, are recommended. Masu.
“The key is to challenge your cardiovascular system regularly and keep it up to demand. If it gets your heart rate up and you enjoy it, line dancing might be a good idea.”
The study did not reveal how the 3% improvement in cardiovascular fitness could be achieved. But Bolam said her advice is to “think of activities that you can add to your weekly routine that you find fun and get your heart rate up.”
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. People who improved their fitness by 3% each year were 35% less likely to develop cancer than those who decreased their fitness.
The findings were published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Simon Grieveson, assistant director of Prostate Cancer Research UK, who was not involved in the study, said: “This suggests there may be a link between exercise and a reduced chance of developing prostate cancer. “This is an interesting addition to previous research.”
“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.
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.”
