(NaturalHealth365)  Prostate cancer rates continue to rise, as poor dietary choices and an inactive lifestyle contribute to this trend.  Compounding the issue, many men avoid prostate exams, creating a potential for never knowing the risk.

However, a recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine offers a ray of hope.  It suggests that even a modest increase in physical activity can lower the risk of prostate cancer.  Let’s explore what this study reveals for men concerned about prostate cancer.

Research connects cardiorespiratory fitness and prostate cancer risk

The latest prostate cancer study sheds light on the fact that even a slight increase in cardiorespiratory fitness decreases the risk of prostate cancer.  The only caveat to the study is that better fitness was not tied to a reduced rate of death from prostate cancer.  But, the significance of this study is all about doing what we can to reduce the risk of ever receiving a cancer diagnosis.

The analysis spanned records of 57,000+ men retrieved from a nationwide health database.  The men took a minimum of two cardiorespiratory fitness tests in which heart health was gauged by stationary bike pedaling.  Moreover, the health database included data on participants’ body mass index, lifestyle, and frequency of exercise.

Participants were divided into groups based on their exercise habits: one group showed little to no improvement in heart fitness, and the other group demonstrated a consistent annual increase of 3% or more.  Follow-up at the 7-year mark revealed that nearly 600 men had been diagnosed with prostate cancer, with fewer than 50 succumbing to the disease.

Those who experienced yearly improvements in cardiovascular health saw a 2% reduction in prostate cancer risk compared to those with stagnant or declining fitness levels.  Moreover, those with an annual fitness improvement of 3% or more were 35% more likely to maintain a healthy prostate free from cancer.

The study also emphasized the importance of initial fitness levels, showing that men with moderate cardiovascular health at the beginning of the study enjoyed a significant 15% reduction in prostate cancer risk.  Simply put, maintaining (and improving) your physical fitness can offer lifesaving rewards!

Tips to boost heart health to shield against prostate cancer

Improving cardiovascular health doesn’t require grueling (unpleasant) gym workouts or complex sport skills that require an impractical amount of time and effort.  While some people enjoy the gym environment, not everyone finds it appealing or convenient.  If the gym isn’t your scene, there are plenty of other ways to get your heart pumping and reduce your risk of prostate cancer.

Consider incorporating activities like brisk walking, jogging, or cycling into your daily routine.  These exercises can be done outdoors or on a stationary bike or treadmill at home, offering flexibility and convenience.  Additionally, activities like dancing or even gardening can provide excellent cardiovascular benefits while being enjoyable and accessible to people of all fitness levels.

If you prefer a social aspect to your exercise routine, consider finding an exercise buddy to join you.  Whether it’s a friend, family member, or neighbor, having someone to exercise with can provide accountability and motivation.  You can also explore local fitness classes or social (inexpensive) sport activities like pickleball to meet new friends and help you to stay active in a fun way.

Remember, the key is to find activities that you enjoy and can incorporate into your lifestyle consistently.  By making small changes to prioritize your cardiovascular health, you can actually reduce your risk of prostate cancer and improve your overall well-being.

Sources for this article include:

BMJ.com
Healthday.com
Cityofhope.org