Walking Helps Raise Survival Rates In Patients With Prostate Cancer

Statistics show that about 22 percent of men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime. Yet new findings published in the Journal of Cancer Survivorship: Research and Practice show that a regular walking regimen can help to significantly improve survival outcomes.

A new study led by Siobhan Phillips of Northwestern University in Chicago tracked the outcomes of more than 51,000 early stage prostate cancer surrivors in the United States who were required to complete a survey regarding their quality of life.

For many survivors, they reported difficulties with urinary and bowel problems, erectile dysfunction and other sexual function, too, including depressing, weight gain and fatigue. Some men were even unable to partake in certain exercises.

Yet researchers found that three hours of "causal" walking a week significantly boosted their overall quality of life.

"This study shows that you don't have to engage in high-impact, vigorous activities to improve your quality of life after a prostate cancer diagnosis," Phillips, a kinesiologist and assistant professor of preventive medicine at Northwestern, said in a news release.

"Since many prostate cancer survivors might find vigorous activities hard to stick with, the good news is that simply focusing on walking more may be enough to make them feel better."

The new study highlights the value of cancer survivorship programs that specifically focus on activity and exercise to promote overall health and wellness.

"it is important to emphasize to patients that even modest, low-impact activity can have very positive effects not only on overall health but also on patients' perception of their quality of life." Dr. Manish Vira directs the fellowship program in urologic oncology at The Arthur Smith Institute for Urology in New Hyde Park, NY, concluded. "Cancer survivors have a higher risk of other conditions, such as cardiovascular disease. Walking may also potentially increase survival and impact their quality of life by preventing the onset of those other conditions."