Regular physical activity can support general health and wellbeing before, during and after prostate cancer treatment. It can help maintain strength and fitness, improve mood and physical function, and may help manage some treatment side effects.
There is no single exercise programme that is right for everyone. The amount and type of activity that is suitable for you depends on your fitness, the stage of your cancer, your treatment and any other health conditions.
Read Prostate Cancer UK information about physical activity and prostate cancer.
Getting started
If you have not been active recently, start gently and build up gradually. Walking, gardening, swimming, cycling and everyday activities can all contribute to keeping active.
Even small amounts of activity can be useful. Choose activities you enjoy and that you can realistically continue.
Aerobic and strength activity
Aerobic activities such as brisk walking, swimming or cycling help your heart and lungs and can improve general fitness. Strength or resistance exercises help maintain muscle and physical function.
Including both types where appropriate can be particularly useful, but your programme should be adapted to your individual circumstances.
Exercise during hormone therapy
Hormone therapy can contribute to loss of muscle strength, changes in body composition and bone thinning. Regular physical activity, including appropriate resistance and weight-bearing exercise, can help maintain strength and reduce the risk of falls.
See our Hormone Therapy page for more information about treatment effects.
Fatigue and treatment
Fatigue is common during and after prostate cancer treatment. Although exercise may feel difficult when you are tired, light to moderate activity can help some people manage cancer-related fatigue.
Start with what you can manage and allow time for rest and recovery. If fatigue is severe, new or getting worse, discuss it with your healthcare team.
Exercising safely
It is generally safe for people with prostate cancer to be physically active, but speak to your GP, specialist nurse, doctor or physiotherapist before starting a new exercise programme if you have significant health problems, are recovering from surgery, or are unsure what is safe for you.
If prostate cancer has spread to your bones, or if treatment has weakened your bones, some high-impact activities or exercises with a greater risk of falling may not be appropriate. Ask your healthcare team or physiotherapist for individual advice.
Stop exercising and seek medical advice if you develop concerning symptoms such as chest pain, severe breathlessness, dizziness or significant new pain.
Walking and local activity
Walking is an accessible way for many people to become more active. Ramblers Wellbeing Walks provides organised walks, including groups in the Leeds area.
Find Ramblers Wellbeing Walks in Leeds.
Questions to ask your healthcare team
- Are there any activities I should avoid because of my cancer or treatment?
- Would strength or resistance exercise be useful for me?
- Can exercise help with the side effects I am experiencing?
- Would I benefit from a physiotherapist or cancer exercise programme?
- How should I build up my activity safely?
This information provides general guidance about physical activity for people affected by prostate cancer and does not replace individual advice from your healthcare team.