Improving fitness may lower risk of prostate cancer by 35%: Study

Increasing annual cardiorespiratory fitness by three per cent or more might lower the risk of developing prostate cancer by 35 per cent, suggests a new study. The findings, published in the journal British Journal of Sports Medicine, prompted the researchers to conclude that men should be encouraged to improve their level of fitness to help lower their chances of getting the disease. In the study, the researchers collected data on physical activity, lifestyle, perceived health, body mass, and height measurements, and the results of at least two cardiorespiratory fitness tests, which were measured by peddling on a stationary cycle, for 57,652 men out of a total of 181,673. The men completed at least two fitness tests to determine how much oxygen they used during vigorous exercise; more oxygen equalled better fitness.