Exercise hastens prostate cancer growth

American researchers suggest that exercising is associated with an accelerated tumor growth rate compared to a sedentary lifestyle.

According to a study presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research in San Diego, cancerous cells in active mice multiply twice as quickly as in their peers who do not exercise.

Findings showed that exercise speeds up the tumor growth by increasing the blood flow of the prostate gland. Duke University Medical Center scientists recommend prostate cancer patients to continue exercising despite the findings of the present study.

They maintain although exercise may promote tumor growth, it reduces the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes and obesity which are the leading causes of several life-threatening complications.