STOCKHOLM, Sweden — In a surprise announcement, British officials revealed that King Charles III has cancer. While the exact type and stage of the disease were not disclosed in the Feb. 5 statement, the condition was reportedly discovered while the 75-year-old monarch was undergoing a separate procedure for an enlarged prostate.
The news comes as scientists in Sweden are revealing a promising method of lowering a man’s chances of developing cancer. Specifically, it turns out that the best medicine to keep prostate cancer away is staying physically fit. Their study of over 57,000 Swedish men reveals that improving cardiorespiratory fitness by just three percent lowers the risk of developing prostate cancer by a staggering 35 percent.
The essence of this research was to explore how changes in physical fitness over time could affect one’s risk of developing or dying from prostate cancer — the second-leading cause of cancer death among American men. This insight is particularly compelling because it suggests that even efforts to enhance physical fitness later in life can have meaningful health benefits.
The study, however, found no significant link between fitness levels and mortality from prostate cancer, an area that remains complex and will likely be the focus of future research. According to the American Cancer Society, 35,250 American men will die of prostate cancer in 2024.
The study underscores the potential of physical activity not just as a tool for overall health improvement but specifically as a preventive measure against prostate cancer. This aligns with the broader understanding within the medical community that lifestyle factors, including exercise, play a vital role in cancer prevention.
Yet, it’s important to approach these findings with a balanced perspective. The study’s strengths lie in its large participant base and the use of objective measures to assess fitness levels over time. However, its limitations, including the focus on a specific demographic (employed Swedish men) and the use of a submaximal fitness test, remind us that more research is necessary to fully understand the nuances of this association.
The takeaway from this research is both clear and motivating: engaging in regular physical activity that improves cardiorespiratory fitness can be a key factor in reducing the risk of prostate cancer. It reinforces the idea that lifestyle changes, particularly those that enhance our fitness levels, are not just beneficial but essential for long-term health and disease prevention.
This study’s implications extend beyond the scientific community, offering a beacon of hope for those looking to take proactive steps in their health journey. By incorporating regular, moderate to vigorous physical activities into our routines, we not only improve our general well-being but also potentially shield ourselves from the risk of serious illnesses like prostate cancer. It’s a call to action for individuals to prioritize their physical fitness, not just for the sake of longevity but for the quality of life it brings.
“His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer,” British officials said in a statement.
What does a pharmacist think?
Though the study did not find a significant link between fitness levels and death rates from prostate cancer, it stands to reason that increasing or maintaining a certain level of physical activity would be beneficial to one’s health. There have been more significant links between physical activity and other health outcomes.
Therefore, it is not surprising to see that being active can also help maintain prostate health in men. However, this study will have to be done on a more global scale and include different types of men (i.e., different races and different baseline overall health) to strengthen the message.
The true takeaway from this study should be that physical activity can greatly improve your health. It is important that you find ways to introduce physical activity into your week. No matter if you walk more, join an aerobic boxing class, or pick up weightlifting, your overall health — prostate health in this case — can greatly benefit.
The study is published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.