The former president has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of the cancer
Exercises could lower you risk of prostate cancer say specialists. Former American president Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive high-grade form of the condition. After experiencing urinary symptoms last week, he reportedly sought medical advice and is currently considering his treatment options as the cancer may be manageable.
Prostate cancer is expected to affect one in eight men in the UK and accounted for 7% of all cancer deaths between 2017 and 2019, according to Cancer Research UK. The disease rarely presents symptoms in its early stages, which often leads to late diagnoses once the cancer has advanced and spread to other parts of the body.
While there’s no definitive guide on how to completely avoid the condition, Prostate Cancer UK has emphasised the benefits of regular exercise in reducing risk. The charity stated: “We don’t yet know whether physical activity can help prevent prostate cancer.
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“But some studies suggest it may help to lower your risk. Particularly of aggressive prostate cancer and advanced prostate cancer.”
The recommended amount and type of exercise depends on your current activity levels. However, the charity suggests at least 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity exercise.
The organisation said: “This could be 30 minutes five times a week, and could include brisk walking, cycling or even gardening – anything that gets your heart rate up.” However, for those leading a sedentary lifestyle – meaning they sit down a lot – it’s best to start small with 10 to 15 minutes at a time and gradually build up to the recommended levels. For those who are already active, 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity each week is advised. This can encompass activities such as running or swimming.
Focusing on exercises that strengthen major muscle groups can also help reduce your risk and this doesn’t have to be confined to the gym. While resistance bands, dumbbells and gym machines are effective, carrying heavy shopping bags or strenuous gardening could yield similar effects.
However, the charity cautioned: “Speak to your doctor before starting any new exercise, especially if you have health problems such as heart or lung disease or joint problems.” Keeping to healthy activity levels and eating habits can reduce the risk of prostate cancer, along with a range of other health issues like heart disease, but some people will still be more susceptible to it regardless of the changes they make.
Prostate Cancer UK said some of the top risk factors for the condition include age, family history and ethnicity. The most common age for diagnosis is between 70 and 74, although your risk begins to increase from the age of 50.
This falls to 45 if you have additional risk factors, such being black or having family members who have been diagnosed with the condition. Having a close male relative, such as a father or brother, with prostate cancer can increase your risk two and a half times.
Men from black backgrounds are also disproportionately affected, although the exact cause for this remains unclear. In the UK, about one in four black men is expected to develop prostate cancer in their lifetime.
The charity advises: “If you have any of these risk factors or if you have any symptoms, speak to your GP. They can talk to you about your risk, and about the tests that are used to diagnose prostate cancer.”