Exercise reduces the risk of prostate cancer by 30%
A trainer attended the launch of the campaign for exercise to fight cancer Tony Nadalhonorary sponsor of an initiative supported by others prominent figures in Spanish sportsHow Javier MartinDuathlon World Champion 2024; Luis Leon Sanchezcyclist and Spanish time trial champion, as well as Isabel PiralkovaSpanish water polo player and gold medalist at the 2024 Paris Games.
To uncover the fundamental role of exercise in the prevention and control of this type of cancer, Dr. Victor Sacristanfrom the SEOM exercise and cancer group and oncologist at the University Hospital of A Coruña; Cesar ComunhasVice President of ANKAP; He Dr. Miguel Angel Berenguer Frenchrepresentative of exercise and cancer on the SEOR Patient Platform and radiation oncologist at La Fe Hospital in Valencia and Genesis Care Valencia, as well as Dr. Carmen Gonzalez EngitaDirector of the AEU Patient Office and Head of the Corporate Urology Service of the HU Fundación Jiménez Díaz and the Public Aid Hospitals of the Quirón-Salud Group (Madrid).
The American College of Sports Medicine notes that exercise reduces the risk of cancer death by 33% in patients with prostate cancer.
225 minutes of moderate activity
In addition, according to preliminary studies, practice 225 minutes of moderate activity per week can lower PSA levels (or prostate-specific antigen, a protein produced by prostate cells, the level of which in the blood can be an important indicator in assessing prostate health) and tumor proliferation in patients with prostate cancer, suggesting a positive effect in controlling the disease without adverse side effects.
On the other hand, according to SEOM, exercise is a key tool reduce cancer mortality by almost 20% and has the potential for reduce the risk of various types of cancerincluding the prostate, up to 30%. Finally, engaging in physical activity in newly diagnosed patients improves survival and quality of life for affected patients.
Most often diagnosed in men
He Dr. Victor Sacristan stated that “in 2024, prostate cancer will be the most diagnosed cancer in men in Spain, with approximately 30,000 cases. We know that physical activity reduces the incidence of this cancer and its more aggressive variants, improves treatment tolerance, and reduces the risk of recurrence. In addition, it helps mitigate the effects of androgen deprivation therapy and other treatments such as new hormonal drugs, chemotherapy or radiation therapy, improving patients’ quality of life. Despite all this, spreading awareness about prostate cancer and the importance of exercise with the support of professional athletes sets a great example for the public and patients.”
For my part, Cesar Comunhas stated that “on the part of ANCAP, we believe that the initiative Moving through life This is a great opportunity to raise public awareness of the importance of early detection and prevention of prostate cancer. Promoting exercise and active health is key.”
Additionally, he clarified that “at ANCAP, we offer a variety of resources to guide patients and their families through the diagnosis and treatment process. We have support groups, psychological counseling and an information hotline where patients and their loved ones can answer questions and receive personalized advice.”
Movember, a global movement for men’s health, November
Presentation Moving through life was issued in movement Movemberwhich is celebrated in November to raise awareness about men’s health and men’s cancer.
Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men in Spain and accounts for approximately 20% of total cases And third cause of cancer death in menbehind lung and colon cancer.
One of the main risk factors is age, as it is more common in people. over 65 years old. Although it may show no symptoms in the initial stages, as it progresses it can cause problems with urination, pelvic or back pain, among other things. early detection and appropriate treatment are critical to improving patient outcomes, given that until now 90% of cases. has a good prognosis.
Mitigate the effects of radiation therapy
He Dr. Miguel Angel Berenguer French noted that radiation therapy represents a fundamental tool for treating and improving the prognosis of prostate cancer, “especially when combined with other approaches such as exercise. “Physical activity can mitigate some of the side effects of radiation therapy, improve the immune system’s response, and improve the patient’s overall health, which promotes better treatment tolerance and reduces the risk of long-term complications.”
Likewise, Dr. Carmen Gonzalez Engita explained that the AEU is promoting a proactive approach to promoting early diagnosis of prostate cancer, with a particular focus on raising awareness and sensitizing the male population in Spain.
“Through awareness campaigns like these and collaborations with health centers, we promote the importance of regular check-ups, especially for men over 50 years of age and between 40 and 45 years of age in cases with a strong family history of breast cancer. prostate or carriers of known genetic mutations, since early diagnosis is of great importance within the framework of a multidisciplinary and comprehensive approach to the patient and, above all, in the cure rate of the disease,” he assured.