Prostate cancer is a condition that occurs in the prostate gland and can spread to surrounding lymph nodes and tissues. Regular exercise has been shown to have a reductive effect of prostate cancer diagnosis and incidence in men, according to MayoClinic.com. While further studies have to be conducted on the specific effects, Harvard School of Public Health researchers hypothesize several positive effects of exercise on prostate cancer.
Reduced Hormone Production
The prostate gland produces seminal fluid in men, which is necessary for sperm transport. This action is controlled by a number of hormones. Just as hormones control this cell growth, hormones control cancer cell division. Getting regular exercise has been shown to reduce hormones associated with causing prostate cancer, according to Harvard School of Public Health researcher Stacey A. Kenfeld, who presented this research finding at a 2009 American Association for Cancer Research Conference. Examples include three or more hours of jogging, swimming or biking per week. Walking four hours or more also has been shown to reduce prostate cancer risk.
Improve Immune System Function
Your body's immune system produces cells that help fight against cancers, including prostate cancer. However, a compromised immune system reduces the body's ability to fight cancer. Because exercise helps you maintain a healthy weight and body, regular exercise can be beneficial in keeping your immune system healthy, according to the Harvard School of Public Health report.
Inflammation Reduction
Regular exercise helps you burn calories and maintain a healthy weight, according to the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Excess body fat releases hormones associated with causing cell oxidation and inflammation. These occurrences are associated with contributing to prostate cancer. The Prostate Cancer Foundation likens this action to what occurs when an apple is exposed to the air --- over time, the air damages the apple and causes it to become rotten. Engaging in regular exercise can help you reduce excess fat to reduce inflammation in the body that can cause diseases, including prostate cancer.
Reduced Mortality
The mortality rate for men with prostate cancer who exercise is 12 percent less than men who do not, according to the Harvard School of Public Health study. While physical activity is known to reduce mortality, a link has been specifically identified between prostate cancer survival and exercise benefits. However, to experience this benefit, it is important for men to engage in vigorous exercise that gets the heart pumping.
References
- Prostate Cancer Foundation: Nutrition, Exercise and Prostate Cancer
- U.S. News & World Report: Coffee, Exercise Fight Prostate Cancer
- MayoClinic.com: Prostate Cancer
- Science Daily: Exercise Reduces Death Rate in Prostate Cancer Patients
- American Association for Cancer Research: Exercise Reduces Death Rate in Prostate Cancer Patients
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