Men who survive prostate cancer can significantly improve their chances of living longer by following healthy lifestyle guidelines, according to new research from the American Cancer Society (ACS).
The study, published in JAMA Network Open, found that men with non-metastatic prostate cancer who adopted healthier habits after diagnosis lived longer than those who did not.
Researchers tracked 4,232 men aged 65 to 73 who were diagnosed with prostate cancer between 1992 and 2003.
These men were followed for up to 14 years, with their health outcomes verified through the National Death Index. During that time, 3,101 men died, including 912 from cardiovascular disease and 453 from prostate cancer.
The ACS study measured how closely the men followed its Nutrition and Physical Activity Guideline for Cancer Survivors, which emphasizes maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, eating a nutritious diet, and limiting alcohol intake.
Men who scored highest on adherence to these recommendations were 23 percent less likely to die from any cause and 25 percent less likely to die from cardiovascular disease compared with men who had the lowest scores.
Importantly, even men who did not follow the guidelines before their cancer diagnosis benefited when they improved their lifestyle afterward.
“It’s never too late to benefit from adopting healthier lifestyle behaviors,” said Dr. Valeria Elahy, a post-doctoral fellow at the ACS and the study’s lead author.
Exercise and weight control appeared to provide the greatest survival advantage. Engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week—or a mix of both—along with keeping body mass index below 30 were linked to longer life expectancy.
“Cardiovascular disease is the most common non-cancer cause of death for this group of men,” explained Dr. Ying Wang, senior principal scientist in epidemiology research at the ACS and senior author of the study.
“Our results suggest that healthy lifestyle behaviors can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease mortality.”
The findings highlight the importance of lifestyle changes in cancer survivorship.
Prostate cancer survivors often focus on the risk of cancer returning, but this study shows that heart health is just as critical. The researchers stress that future efforts should look at the best ways to support men in adopting and maintaining healthier habits after a cancer diagnosis.
The message from this study is clear: for prostate cancer survivors, improving diet, staying active, and maintaining a healthy weight can add years to life and help prevent other serious health problems.
