Exercise Reduces Death Rate in Prostate Cancer Patients

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091207200911.htm

ScienceDaily (Dec. 8, 2009) — As little as 15 minutes of exercise a day can reduce overall mortality rates in patients with prostate cancer, according to findings presented at the American Association for Cancer Research Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research Conference, held here, Dec. 6-9, 2009.

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Men who engaged in three or more hours of Metabolic Equivalent Tasks (MET) a week -- equivalent to jogging, biking, swimming or playing tennis for about a half-hour per week -- had a 35 percent lower risk of overall mortality.

Specific to walking, the researchers found that men who walked four or more hours a week had a 23 percent lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to men who walked less than 20 minutes per week. Men who walked 90 or more minutes at a normal to brisk pace had a 51 percent lower risk of death from any cause than men who walked less than 90 minutes at an easy walking pace.

Walking didn't show any effect on prostate cancer specific mortality, but more strenuous exercising did. Men who engaged in five or more hours of vigorous physical activity a week were at a decreased risk of dying from their prostate cancer.

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