Fight Prostate Cancer with These 5 Exercises

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in the United States. However, it is a lesser-known fact that exercise can help reduce the odds of prostate cancer and even help those already suffering from it.  

How does exercise help prostate cancer patients? 

Let us first understand how exercise helps a person with prostate cancer. Exercise lowers the risk of diabetes and obesity while enhancing bone density and heart health. It can also lower blood sugar levels, reducing insulin levels and inflammatory markers. This is significant because inflammation, insulin levels, and the risk of prostate cancer are related.  

Another key advantage is that exercise helps reduce the side effects of prostate cancer treatments like androgen restriction therapy (ADT). Loss of muscle, rise in body fat, and osteoporosis are all potential side effects of ADT. Exercise can also lessen tension, worry, and depression that men with prostate cancer frequently experience. 

Key benefits of exercise during and after prostate cancer treatment:  

• Reduces anxiety and fatigue  

• Boosts confidence 

• Increases optimism levels 

• Improves heart health 

• Helps maintain healthy weight 

• Enhances muscular endurance and strength 

Read more: Cancer Prevention Methods at A Glance 

Precautions before starting an exercise routine  

It is important for any patient to be cautious and consult their provider before beginning an exercise program. Specific side effects from prostate cancer and its therapies may require a customized fitness regimen. Stop exercising and speak with a doctor if the patient experiences any of the side effects listed below. 

Fatigue: Intense exercise can be more difficult when one is physically weak after treatment. Keep an eye on the energy levels and adjust the workouts as necessary. 

Osteoporosis: Ask the doctor what weight-bearing exercises may be performed by the patient to safely strengthen the bones if diagnosed with osteoporosis. 

Bone tumors: An increased risk of fracture results from the spread of cancer cells, or metastasis, to the bone. Practice exercises that lower the risk of falling. 

Heart problems: Start the fitness routine under physician supervision if the patient has weak heart muscles or an irregular heartbeat. 

Read more: 9 Thoughtful Gifts for Cancer Patients

Five Exercises for Prostate Cancer Patients  

• Aerobic exercise 

Aerobic exercises strengthen your heart and lungs. Walking is an ideal aerobic exercise for prostate cancer patients. Because often prostate cancer therapy has side effects, walking at a comfortable pace for 90 minutes a week can help reduce fatigue, depression, and body weight. 

• Kegel exercises  

Men who are receiving treatment for prostate cancer should pay close attention to maintaining strong pelvic floors to minimize side effects and enhance sexual and urine function. Here’s a guide on how to perform Kegel exercises that can help address the issue.  

• Stretching exercises 

Stretching or range-of-motion (ROM) activities, sometimes referred to as flexibility exercises, lengthen muscles and tendons. They enhance or preserve joints' and muscles' flexibility. As we age, our joints and muscles become less flexible naturally, but cancer therapies can also reduce flexibility. Regular stretching can prevent any loss of flexibility and aid in overcoming stiffness. Here are a few stretching exercises for cancer patients:  

• Shoulder stretches 
• Triceps stretches 
• Biceps stretches 
• Lower back stretches   

• Balance exercises

Exercises that improve balance help minimize some of the effects of muscular imbalances and body asymmetry following surgery. Chemotherapy frequently has adverse effects like neuropathy, which can cause the feet to become numb. It is challenging to keep your equilibrium if you can't feel your feet. Balance training should be a regular component of the fitness regimen to make up for lost strength. Standing on one foot, tightrope, calf or heel raises, and grapevines are some of the key balance exercises.  

• Strength training 

Muscle loss is a common occurrence in patients who are inactive during cancer treatment.  

Strength training will help reduce body fat while increasing muscle mass and bone density. The exercise can be carried out with weights, bands, machines, or one's body weight. It can also help fight osteoporosis, and bone weakness that some cancer treatments can cause.  

 
Summing up  

To combat the side effects of prostate cancer treatment and to ensure a quick recovery, consistent exercise is key. However, pay attention to the body. Avoid going beyond limits and reduce exercise if the patient finds it difficult to complete a session. 

Encourage patients to perform exercises that they enjoy, rather than strenuously working on ones that make them more tired. Help them listen to the needs of their body and workout accordingly.