Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths for men, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Your exercise habits can affect your risk of prostate cancer along with other prostate health issues, such as an enlarged prostate and prostatitis.
Function
The prostate is a reproductive gland found in men that surrounds the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine out of your body. The prostate gland is approximately the size of a walnut and is responsible for producing the fluid that carries sperm during sexual intercourse. Your likelihood of experiencing prostate-related health problems increases as you age. One method of reducing your risk for prostate-related conditions is by participating in regular exercise, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services.
Prostate Cancer
According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, prostate cancer is caused by abnormal cell growth in the prostate, and it affects one in six men. A 2010 analysis of previously completed scientific studies published in the "Cancer Letters" journal found that healthy lifestyle behaviors, including regular exercise and weight management, can reduce your risk of prostate cancer. In addition to reducing your risk of prostate cancer by exercising regularly, the National Cancer Institute recommends regular exercise for current cancer patients and cancer survivors. Exercise can boost quality of life and fight fatigue associated with some cancer treatments.
Enlarged Prostate
An enlarged prostate, medically known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is common in older men, according to the National Institute on Aging. An enlarged prostate can make it difficult for you to urinate or cause you to urinate more often than usual. The authors of a 2009 study published in "The Physician and Sportsmedicine" journal found that daily aerobic exercise can decrease specific plasma factors associated with BPH.
Prostatitis
Chronic prostatitis, sometimes known as chronic pelvic pain syndrome, or CPPS, is another prostate-related health condition that can be improved by exercise. CPPS occurs mostly in young or middle-aged men and can cause pain between the legs and in the lower back. A 2007 study published in "The Journal of Urology" concluded that aerobic exercise might be a valid treatment for CPPS. Regular brisk walking, swimming or biking might be helpful in treating your CPPS symptoms.
Stress
Because stress, nervousness and tension can lead to more frequent urination, reducing these conditions can provide relief from some prostate-related health problems. A popular way to reduce stress is to regularly participate in exercise activities. According to The Mayo Clinic, regular exercise can increase your self-confidence, improve your mood and reduce any symptoms of mild anxiety or depression you might have. Keeping your stress levels low through regular exercise can help improve your prostate health.
References
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Prostate Cancer
- Medline Plus: Prostate Diseases
- Arizona Department of Health: Your Health and Prostate Cancer
- PubMed: Lifestyle as Risk Factor for Cancer: Evidence from Human Studies
- National Cancer Institute: Guidelines Urge Exercise for Cancer Patients, Survivors
