A free 24-week physical activity initiative is helping British men undergoing androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer combat treatment-induced fatigue and regain physical strength.
The Cancer Activity Programme, delivered by Nuffield Health in partnership with NHS trusts, targets patients receiving hormone therapy designed to slow tumor growth.
Approximately 300,000 prostate cancer patients across the United Kingdom receive the treatment, which routinely causes side effects including muscle loss, weight gain, and persistent exhaustion.
The structured intervention addresses these complications through supervised physical training, behavioral guidance, and nutritional support.
The initiative stems from findings of the STAMINA study conducted by Sheffield Hallam University, described as the largest clinical trial evaluating lifestyle interventions integrated into routine NHS cancer management.
Patient Recovery and Peer Support
Patient Mike James from Shirehampton, Bristol, underwent prostate removal surgery in May 2020 followed by seven weeks of radiotherapy and two and a half years of ongoing hormone treatment.
"This cancer activity programme was absolutely fantastic for me and it's helped me get over my fatigue and get my strength back," said James.
James noted that previous treatments left him struggling with mobility issues and physical weakness before joining the regimen.
"I used to go for a walk and have sciatica all the time, arthritis in the knees. My missus had to do the lifting for me," said James.
"So to be able to get your personal energy back and your strength and be able to do what you used to do, it's fantastic," said James.
Participants also highlighted the psychological benefits of group training alongside peers facing similar health challenges.
"It can be a lonely journey with cancer," said Steve Cottingham, a participant from South Gloucestershire.
Cottingham explained that group interactions provided mutual support during treatment recovery.
"It's great to talk with guys who are doing the same thing or at different stages of our illness.
But hopefully, we're all coming out," said Cottingham.
"Physically, it's helped me a great deal. I've lost weight, I've trimmed up the waist," said Cottingham.
"It does give me fatigue, some of the treatment, and this has helped me a great deal," said Cottingham.
Fellow participant Martin Sutherland, diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2021, echoed the sentiment regarding peer interaction.
"You give each other strength and I think it's worked out really well, especially when you see them week in, week out," said Sutherland, a participant from Bradley Stoke.
"Coming here, meeting the lads, hearing their stories, sharing stories is the definite benefit," said Sutherland.
Clinical Evidence and Future Expansion
Healthcare professionals leading the physical sessions noted marked improvements in patient wellness and stress relief.
"Because people are in the same boat, it gives everybody a chance to de-stress, let go of that stigma, let go of the fact that they might not necessarily feel as comfortable talking about these things with their friends at the pub," said Ethan Paul, a rehabilitation specialist.
"The difference in their attitude, their mental health and just the stories that they've reported back about how they've been feeling and the benefits that it's brought them has been the best thing," said Paul.
Clinical leaders emphasized the medical necessity of incorporating structured exercise directly into standard oncology protocols.
"The importance of optimising quality of life for men with prostate cancer cannot be overstated," said Derek Rosario, chief investigator of STAMINA and consultant urological surgeon at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
"We've known for some time that programmed supervised exercise training can be beneficial in offsetting the side effects of ADT," said Rosario.
Rosario described STAMINA as the first lifestyle intervention integrated at scale into routine NHS cancer care in England, noting it delivers a huge step forward for clinical practice.
"compelling evidence for clinicians who have been crying out for an evidence-based intervention to recommend to their patients on ADT who present all the time with devastating treatment-related side effects," said Rosario.
Nuffield Health plans to expand the specialized exercise program to NHS patients treated for breast and bowel cancers before 2030.
