Of Vera Martinella
The results of a research on British Journal of Sports Medicine highlight that by slightly increasing the physical activity carried out to safeguard the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems, the risk of cancer decreases by 35%.
One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. With beyond 40 thousand new cases diagnosed in 2023 in Italy it is, in fact, the type of most frequent cancer in men after the age of 50. And the numbers are increasing even among the youngest. However, there is a lot that can be done to limit the chances of getting sick, starting with constant physical activity: research just published on British Journal of Sports Medicinefor example, highlights that by increasing cardiorespiratory fitness slightly (by 3% or more), the risk of prostate cancer drops by as much as 35%.
Who risks more
«Numerous scientific research has already demonstrated this: regularly practicing sport, or in any case exercising according to one's possibilities, is an effective prevention strategy for many types of cancer – he underlines Bernardo Rocco, full professor of Urology at the University of Milan and director of Urology at San Paolo Hospital -. So far there are not many studies focused on gymnastics and prostate cancer, but we know for a fact that lifestyles are fundamental. Among the known causes that increase the chances of getting prostate cancer (in addition to familiarity for this pathology), there are a high protein content in the diet and the metabolic syndrome, a pathology characterized by increased abdominal circumference, arterial hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, reduced levels of “good” HDL cholesterol and increased fasting blood sugar.” Several studies have then highlighted the role, in the onset of the tumor, of a diet particularly rich in saturated fats and excessive consumption of red meat and dairy products.
An annual check-up
The rising scale needle is a danger since adolescenceas recently highlighted by the conclusions of a research study: gain one kilogram per year between the ages of 17 and 29 it increases the probability of having an aggressive carcinoma by 13% and that of a lethal form by 27%. And it is precisely the incorrect lifestyles (smoking, sedentary lifestyle, alcohol consumption and poor diet, which it often entails overweight) are indicated by experts as plausible reasons for the increase in cancer cases at a young age.
«All good reasons to do as much exercise as possible – he underlines Rocco, who is also president of the Scientific Committee of Europa Uomo Italia -, from children to old age. Just as it would be good for all men (from adolescence onwards) to do at least one visit a year to the urologist, exactly like women do with their gynecologist. Then starting from 50 years old, and from 45 years old if there is familiarity and there is more risk, we start with theexamination of Psathe most effective strategy for early diagnosis.”
Cardiorespiratory fitness
In the new study published in British Journal of Sports MedicineSwedish researchers analyzed data from almost 58 thousand men, collected in a database that collected information on physical activity performed, lifestyles, general state of health, body mass and height. Participants also took tests that measured their levels of cardiorespiratory fitness and they were kept under observation for many years (on average seven). «Cardiorespiratory fitness means “wellbeing of the heart” – explain the authors of the research -, so much so that low levels of cardiovascular fitness are associated with greater mortality and heart disease. It's a'physical activity carried out in order to safeguard the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems and to establish cardiorespiratory fitness, which is the ability or capacity of the heart, lungs and muscles to take in oxygen and use it to produce energy.” The results thus highlighted that i more physically active malesthose with higher levels of cardio fitness, have less likely to develop prostate cancer.
Urinary problems
«Although there are no characteristic symptoms of prostate cancer at onset – concludes Rocco -, we must not ignore the appearance of various urinary problemswhich: difficulty starting urination, weak urine flow, need to “push” while urinating, incomplete emptying of the bladder, high frequency of urination, urgency to empty the bladder and presence of nocturnal urinations. These are symptoms that accompany theBPH, very common in males after the age of 50 and therefore should not be alarmed, but should not be underestimated and ignored. Just talk to your family doctor who will evaluate whether a visit to the urologist specialist is necessary, preceded by any tests. This simple attention can be the best prevention of prostate cancerallowing for an early and timely diagnosis.”
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