Physical Job Activity Reduces Prostate Cancer Risk

Previous studies have suggested that physical activity decreases the risk of certain cancers. Working in a job that requires a continuous level of high physical effort may decrease the likelihood of a man to develop prostate cancer. Anusha Krishnadasan, from the University of California, Los Angeles (USA) compared the physical activity of 392 workers who developed prostate cancer with 1,805 men similarly employed and of similar age. Amongst a group; of aerospace workers,the majority -- 64% - were involved in work that required sustained and high levels of physical activity; among this group, the odds for prostate cancer was 45% lower than that of less active coworkers. Amongst a group of nuclear power workers, only 34% of whom were involved in physically demanding work on a continual basis, the odds for prostate cancer did not differ with respect to physical activity levels. The researchers suggest that the difference in the level of physical activity -- that is, if it is sustained or intermittent -- may explain the difference in prostate cancer risk.

This study provides an interesting glimpse into the beneficial value of continual or prolonged occupationally based physical activity. Coupled with other studies that demonstrate the benefits of leisure-time physical activity, it is difficult to ignore the evidence regarding the role of regular physical activity to ward off disease.