
Movember: A Time to Prioritise Men’s Health & Exercise for Body and Mind
As Movember rolls around, we get a unique opportunity to spotlight critical issues in men’s health, particularly prostate cancer, testicular cancer, bowel cancer, and male mental health. As an exercise physiologist, I see firsthand the impact of physical activity has in aiding those undergoing cancer treatments and improving mental health outcomes. Let’s explore how exercise can play a pivotal role across these areas of health for men.
Prostate Cancer and Exercise
Prostate cancer remains one of the most common cancers among men, often requiring treatments like Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT), while effective, can severely impact quality of life, strength, and endurance.
Numerous studies support the integration of exercise as a complementary therapy for men with prostate cancer. For instance, resistance and aerobic training have shown substantial benefits in reducing ADT-related side effects, like muscle loss, fatigue, and improving quality of life (Keogh & MacLeod, 2012; Bourke et al., 2016).
Exercise has also demonstrated potential in improving cancer-specific quality of life, submaximal fitness, and lower body strength, without increasing the risk of severe adverse events. A structured exercise program can help men manage treatment-induced symptoms, and resistance training in group settings can provide social support that further enhances adherence and psychological benefits (Newton & Galvão, 2013; Antonelli, Freedland & Jones, 2009).
Testicular Cancer: Rebuilding Strength Through Movement
Though less common than prostate cancer, testicular cancer primarily affects younger men. Treatment often involves surgeries and chemotherapy, which can be both physically and mentally taxing. Regular exercise has been found to significantly improve muscle strength, reduce fatigue, and help men regain confidence and a sense of control over their bodies during recovery. Structured aerobic and resistance exercises can improve physical fitness, counteract muscle loss, especially when conducted in a supervised, supportive environment (Bourke et al., 2016).
Bowel Cancer and Exercise for Symptom Management
Exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of various cancers, including bowel cancer, by up to 40% and improve outcomes following diagnosis. For men undergoing bowel cancer treatment, physical activity can aid in managing treatment-related symptoms, such as fatigue, and maintain functional independence.
Aerobic exercises can help with bowel function and digestion, while strength training aids in preserving muscle mass and preventing the weight gain often associated with certain treatments (Newton & Galvão, 2008; Campos et al., 2018).
Mental Health: Exercise as a Catalyst for Mental Wellness
Beyond cancer, Movember emphasises men’s mental health. Physical activity has shown positive benefits for mental health, reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and improving mood and sleep quality. Group-based exercise sessions can create a supportive community, countering the isolation that men may experience during cancer treatment.
For prostate cancer survivors, a regular exercise program can Improve mental wellbeing, reducing the impact of cancer treatment on mental health and offering a routine that promotes both physical and psychological resilience (Newton & Galvão, 2008; Zopf et al., 2015).
Taking Action: How to Start
- Start Small: Begin with simple, manageable goals, such as a 15-minute walk daily and gradually increase your activity.
- Include Resistance Training: Add two sessions per week to improve strength and combat muscle loss from cancer treatments. Keep in mind, a little movement can go a long way, even 1 set per muscle group has great benefits.
- Seek Group Programs: For both social support and motivation, consider joining a supervised group exercise session.
- Consult Professionals: Work with an exercise physiologist to develop a program tailored to your health needs, especially if undergoing cancer treatment.
References
- Bourke, Liam, et al. ‘Exercise for Men with Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis’. European Urology, vol. 69, no. 4, Apr. 2016, pp. 693–703. PubMed, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eururo.2015.10.047.
- Campos, Christian, et al. ‘Exercise and Prostate Cancer: From Basic Science to Clinical Applications’. The Prostate, vol. 78, no. 9, June 2018, pp. 639–45. PubMed, https://doi.org/10.1002/pros.23502.
- Keogh, Justin W. L., and Roderick D. MacLeod. ‘Body Composition, Physical Fitness, Functional Performance, Quality of Life, and Fatigue Benefits of Exercise for Prostate Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review’. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, vol. 43, no. 1, Jan. 2012, pp. 96–110. PubMed, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2011.03.006.
- Singh, Favil, et al. ‘A Systematic Review of Pre-Surgical Exercise Intervention Studies with Cancer Patients’. Surgical Oncology, vol. 22, no. 2, June 2013, pp. 92–104. PubMed, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.suronc.2013.01.004.
- Zopf, Eva M., et al. ‘Effects of a 15-Month Supervised Exercise Program on Physical and Psychological Outcomes in Prostate Cancer Patients Following Prostatectomy: The ProRehab Study’. Integrative Cancer Therapies, vol. 14, no. 5, Sept. 2015, pp. 409–18. PubMed, https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735415583552.