In the case of “low risk” or localized prostate cancer, often active survelliance is used as a means in the treatment plan. Active surveillance is a way of monitoring such cancer usually through regular PSA (prostate-specific antigent) checks, imaging, prostate exams, biopsy, etc. Active surveillance is normally done to avoid or delay unnecessary treatments and their side effects. Often, many men will find such periods of treatment to be highly anxiety provoking as they view “nothing” is being done during this period.

In a secondary analysis of the Exercise During Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer (ERASE) Trial where a 12-week HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) intervention was assigned, researchers assessed the mental health of such intervention on the subjects of the study. Prior analysis of the ERASE Trial showed that the intervention improved the cardiovascular fitness and decreased the PSA levels of the participants.

In this analysis, published in The Journal of Urology, researchers found that the 12-week HIIT intervention led to a significant decrease in cancer-related anxiety and prostate cancer fears. Additionally, the HIIT intervention lead to improvements in fatigue, feelings of depression, feeling of stress, self-esteem, and body weight.

“In our study, a high-intensity interval training program yielded significant mental and physical health benefits for men who chose active surveillance for initial management of low-grade prostate cancer,” stated study author, Dr. Kerry Courneya.

DW Kang et al. A randomized trial of the effects of exercise on anxiety, fear of cancer progression and quality of life in prostate cancer patients on active surveillance. The Journal of Urology. https://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002334