In 2022, about 268,500 American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Not all of them will need treatment right away, if at all. For men who have small, slow-growing prostate cancer, the doctor may suggest “active surveillance.” This is a type of close follow-up with periodic lab tests and biopsies. New research finds exercise may have physical and mental benefits for men going through active surveillance.
The new ERASE (Exercise during Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer) Trial followed men with prostate cancer that had not spread, who were under active surveillance. Half of the men exercised at high intensity on a treadmill three times a week for 12 weeks. The other half did not exercise.
Among the men who exercised, researchers found that they had lower levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). This protein can be a sign of prostate cancer and also a sign of other non-cancerous prostate conditions, like an enlarged prostate. In men who exercised, PSA levels also rose more slowly, which suggests exercise may decrease cancer growth.
Researchers found men who did high-intensity exercise had improved cardiorespiratory fitness. This is a measure of how well your heart and lungs work together to bring oxygen to your muscles during exercise.
The trial also found men who exercised had:
- less anxiety about their prostate cancer
- less fear of their cancer getting worse
- fewer hormone symptoms
- less stress
- less fatigue
- better self-esteem
Active surveillance usually involves regular PSA tests and digital rectal exams (DRE). These tests tell if the cancer is growing. It also includes prostate biopsies (tissue samples). Biopsies can help predict how quickly the cancer is likely to grow and spread. If these tests show your cancer is changing, your doctor may discuss other forms of treatment with you.
Men diagnosed with prostate cancer may be a good fit for active surveillance if they:
- have prostate cancer that is slow-growing.
- are diagnosed with an early stage of prostate cancer that has not spread beyond the prostate.
- do not have symptoms.
The main benefit of active surveillance is that it avoids many risks and side effects from treatment. But, with this approach the cancer could grow and spread during follow-up. This could make the cancer harder to treat. Talk with your doctor about whether active surveillance is a good choice for you.