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Countering the Side Effects of Prostate Cancer

Posted December 9, 2007 at 03:00 PM by Denise Musumeci

Section: In The News, His Health, Physical Health

older man Like breast cancer in women, prostate cancer in men is something to be concerned about, especially after age 40. MedlinePlus states that prostate cancer is the third most common cause of death due to cancer in men of all ages. It rarely affects men who are under 40, but it is something to be concerned about, especially if it runs in the family.

A common treatment for prostate cancer in men is androgen deprivation therapy. Androgens are any group of hormones that influence the growth and development of the male reproductive system. Testosterone is one of the main androgens that aid in the development of male sex characteristics. The purpose of androgen deprivation treatment is to slow the rate of reproduction of the cancerous cells in the prostate.

About.com claims that a drop in testosterone levels can affect all prostate cancer cells--even those that have spread to other parts of the body, and can control prostate cancer for several years. By removing the androgens, including testosterone, the development of prostate cancer can slow down dramatically.

This common treatment has caused a lot of negative side affects in men, including fatigue, functional decline, increased body fatness, and loss of lean body tissue, leading to a lower quality of health. Researchers from the University of Ottawa developed a study to find out if resistance exercises can reduce the negative side effects of androgen deprivation treatment. The study took 155 men with prostate cancer and split them up into two groups: 82 men received resistance exercises three times a week for 12 weeks while the control group consisted of 73 men that were put on a waiting list.

As a result, those in the control group had a disease-specific quality of health, experiencing fatigue and increased body fat. Those who participated in the resistance exercise, however, experienced less interference from fatigue with their everyday life and enjoyed a higher quality of health overall. However, the 12-week resistance exercise intervention did not improve body composition as measured by changes in body weight, body mass index, or waist circumference.

Men of all ages can learn a lot from these results. While resistance exercises may not change the way you look, they can improve muscular fitness and reduce fatigue, making it easier to participate in day-to-day activities. Prostate cancer does not have to mean the end of your health. Whether you are in your twenties or older, all men should see their doctors regularly for checkups, especially if there is a family history of prostate cancer.

Research sources and for more information: [Ascopubs.org]
[NIH]; [NIH]; [prostate cancer]