Men could reduce their risk of prostate cancer by more than a third if they improve their fitness levels by just 3% a year, a study has suggested, bolstering previous research showing possible links between exercise and a lower likelihood of this form of cancer.
The study of more than 57 000 men, with an average age of 41, found that those who were able to increase their cardiorespiratory fitness by 3% each year were 35% less likely to develop the cancer than those who did not, reports The Telegraph.
Researchers measured the amount of oxygen the body uses while exercising at a high intensity to determine their fitness level, also known as the VO2 max.
Increasing fitness or oxygen capacity can be done through regular exercise, like running, cycling or swimming, at least three times a week.
The men were assessed over an average of seven years during which time 592, or around 1%, of the 57 652 participants were diagnosed with prostate cancer.
The men were categorised into groups depending on how much their fitness level changed each year. Those with an increase in their fitness level of 3% or more, a reduction by 3% or more, and those who remained stable.
The rate of prostate cancer was highest in the group whose fitness levels fell and lowest in the group whose fitness levels increased.
Authors of the study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, and conducted by several universities across Sweden and led by the Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences GIH, said the results “highlight the important role of supporting the general public to increase their cardiorespiratory fitness or aim to reach moderate fitness levels”.
They noted there was no statistical significance among the men who were already at a high fitness level.
During the study, 46 people died from prostate cancer, but there was no trend related to fitness.
Previous research has found people could increase their cardiorespiratory fitness levels by up to 16% a year.
More than 52 000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year in the UK, while around 12 000 die each year – about one every 45 minutes.
Prostate cancer is more common in men over 50, black men over 45 and men with a family history of the condition, and often shows no symptoms during its earlier stages, when it is also more treatable.
Study details
Association between change in cardiorespiratory fitness and prostate cancer incidence and mortality in 57 652 Swedish men
Kate Bolam, Emil Bojsen-Møller, Peter Wallin, Sofia Paulsson, Magnus Lindwall, Helene Rundqvist, Elin Ekblom-Bak.
Published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine on 3 January 2024
Abstract
Objectives
To examine the associations between changes in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in adulthood and prostate cancer incidence and mortality.
Methods
In this prospective study, men who completed an occupational health profile assessment including at least two valid submaximal CRF tests, performed on a cycle ergometer, were included in the study. Data on prostate cancer incidence and mortality were derived from national registers. HRs and CIs were calculated using Cox proportional hazard regression with inverse probability treatment weights of time-varying covariates.
Results
During a mean follow-up time of 6.7 years (SD 4.9), 592 (1%) of the 57 652 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer, and 46 (0.08%) died with prostate cancer as the primary cause of death. An increase in absolute CRF (as % of L/min) was associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer incidence (HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.96 to 0.99) but not mortality, in the fully adjusted model. When participants were grouped as having increased (+3%), stable (±3%) or decreased (−3%) CRF, those with increased fitness also had a reduced risk of prostate cancer incidence compared with those with decreased fitness (HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.86), in the fully adjusted model.
Conclusion
In this study of employed Swedish men, change in CRF was inversely associated with risk of prostate cancer incidence, but not mortality. Change in CRF appears to be important for reducing the risk of prostate cancer.
See more from MedicalBrief archives:
Heftier youth linked to fatal prostate cancer – Swedish study
Prostate cancer risk higher for black men – US study
High Intensity Training regimen may inhibit prostate cancer growth — ERASE trial