September is prostate cancer awareness month! With Club Active’s member demographic being predominantly over 50, we wanted to take a moment to highlight how an exercise physiologist can help anyone affected by prostate cancer, by assisting with treatment side-effects and pelvic muscle strengthening.

Factors that increase the risk of developing prostate cancer

• Age: the risk of developing or dying from prostate cancer increases strongly with age
• Family history: you have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer if your father or brother is diagnosed.
• Additionally, genetics, diet and lifestyle can contribute to an increase in the risk.

Prostate cancer statistics

• Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in Australia.
• Nearly 17,000 Australian men will be diagnosed this year.
• Many of these men will experience anxiety and depression as a result of their cancer, facing a 70% increased risk of a suicide death.
• Men often suffer in silence – 72% do not reach out for help with what they are going through.

The benefit of exercise for prostate cancer

• Reduces the severity of treatment-related side effects and symptoms. Including fatigue, muscle loss, and anxiety.
• A pelvic floor strengthening program prior to prostate surgery can greatly improve post-surgery incontinence and erectile dysfunction. 

How can our Accredited Exercise Physiologists help?

Physical activity and regular exercise can be protective factors for cancer. For overall health, try to exercise at least 30 minutes a day. Club Active university-qualified exercise physiologists can help anyone affected by prostate cancer. An initial assessment will discuss your health and well-being. From this assessment, an individualised program specific to your health needs is designed and may include reducing the side effects of treatment.

There is also evidence that men who are physically active after a prostate cancer diagnosis have a reduced risk of developing other chronic diseases and better overall survival rates. 

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If you would like to learn more about working with an Exercise Physiologist, please contact our friendly team today.

Source: Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA), Cancer Council, American Cancer Society.