Physical activity and dietary considerations for prostate cancer patients: future research directions

Abstract

This review considers current evidence on physical activity and dietary behaviours in the context of prostate cancer prevention and survivorship outcomes. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer amongst men, with over 1⋅4 million newly diagnosed cases globally each year. Due to earlier detection via screening and advances in treatments, survival rates are amongst the highest of all cancer populations. However, hormone treatments (i.e. androgen deprivation therapy) can lead to undesirable body composition changes, increased fatigue and reduced health-related quality of life, which can impair the overall wellbeing of men living with and beyond prostate cancer. Existing research has only provided limited evidence that physical activity and nutrition can impact a man's risk of prostate cancer but cohort studies suggest they can influence survival outcomes after diagnosis. Additionally, data from observational and intervention studies suggest that habitual physical activity (or structured exercise) and healthy diets can help to ameliorate hormone-related treatment side-effects. Current physical activity guidelines state that prostate cancer patients should complete at least three sessions of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, along with two resistance exercise sessions, but dietary guidelines for prostate cancer patients are less well defined. In conclusion, regular physical activity and nutritional interventions may improve survival outcomes and attenuate some adverse side-effects of hormone treatments in men with prostate cancer. However, further research is required to improve our understanding of the health impacts of physical activity (including structured exercise) and nutrition in relation to prostate cancer prevention and survivorship.