Prostate cancer survivors who follow healthy lifestyle guideline live longer, new study shows

A recent study conducted by the American Cancer Society (ACS) reveals that men diagnosed with non-metastatic prostate cancer who followed the ACS Nutrition and Physical Activity Guideline for Cancer Survivors post-diagnosis had longer life expectancy. Over a 14-year follow-up period, men with the highest adherence to the guideline were 23% less likely to die from any cause and 25% less likely to die from cardiovascular disease compared to those with the lowest adherence. The ACS guideline emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, following a nutritious diet, and limiting alcohol consumption. The study has been published today in JAMA Network Open.

Dr. Valeria Elahy, a post-doctoral fellow in cancer epidemiology, prevention, and survivorship at the ACS and the lead author of the study, stated, “Even men who were not following the guideline before their prostate cancer diagnosis, but improved afterward, experienced lower mortality compared to men who maintained low adherence. It’s never too late to benefit from adopting healthier lifestyle behaviors.”

The study tracked 4,232 men aged 65 to 73 years, diagnosed with non-metastatic prostate cancer between 1992 and 2003, for up to 14 years. Mortality outcomes were confirmed through linkage with the National Death Index. During the follow-up period, 3,101 men passed away, including 912 from cardiovascular disease and 453 from prostate cancer.

Pre- and post-diagnosis adherence to the ACS guideline was assessed using a scoring system where higher scores indicated better adherence. The study highlighted that engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week, or a combination of both, and maintaining a body mass index below 30 kg/m² yielded the greatest survival advantage.

Dr. Ying Wang, a senior principal scientist in epidemiology research at the ACS and the senior author of the study, mentioned, “Cardiovascular disease is the most common non-cancer cause of death for this group of men. Our findings suggest that adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease mortality. Future research should focus on how to best support survivors in embracing and sustaining these behaviors.”

Other researchers from the ACS who contributed to the study include Christina Newton, MSPH, Dr. Majorie McCullough, Dr. Lauren Teras, Dr. Clara Bodelon, Dr. Erika Rees-Punia, Dr. Caroline Um, Dr. Laura Makaroff, and Dr. Alpa Patel.