Though I’ve not heard anyone use the word “epidemic” when referring to prostate cancer, it seems we’ve all accepted it as a fact of life for most men. Lots of people say, “If you live long enough, you’ll probably get prostate cancer.”
So listen up, men! If you’re undergoing treatment for localized prostate cancer that includes hormone treatments to suppress testosterone and estrogen, pencil a daily walk into your calendar. Sedentary guys lose between 4% and 13% of their bone density a year, while undergoing hormone therapy, which is used to block tumor growth, compared to 1% or less in healthy middle-aged men, on an annual basis.
But if you exercise moderately during your treatment, not only will you enjoy better fitness, increased energy and less depression – you’ll maintain or maybe even improve your bone density and avoid possible fractures!
A study conducted at John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore in 2007, involving 70 sedentary men with Stage I-III prostate cancer, showed those who did not exercise during treatment lost more than 2% of their bone mass in just 8-9 weeks, while those who walked 30 minutes, 5 days a week either maintained their bone mass or gained some!
The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: Exercise has been shown to have a protective effect against many types of cancer, including colorectal and breast cancers and possibly prostate cancer, often because it helps keep the weight off. Now you know if you do get prostate cancer, that exercise can help you combat some of the side effects of treatment.
QUICK TIP: According to Jean Carper, pomegranate juice may slow the proliferation of prostate cancer cells. Learn More
Written exclusively for Stop Aging Now, the authority on anti-aging research, anti-aging nutrition, and anti-aging supplements.
