Association Between Physical Activity and Mortality in Men with or at Risk of Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Prostate cancer (PC) is a highly prevalent malignant tumour associated with significant morbidity and mortality. While physical activity has been linked to a lower risk of PC and exercise has been shown to reduce mortality, the evidence for the association between physical activity and mortality is limited. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the association between physical activity and mortality risk in men with or at risk of PC. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in Medline, Scopus and Web of Science from inception until April 2026. Observational studies analysing physical activity and all-cause and PC-specific mortality were included. The data were synthesised and interpreted using a synthesis without meta-analysis (SWiM) approach. The quality of the studies was assessed using the NHLBI tool. The certainty of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE framework. RESULTS: Fifteen observational studies were included. The hazard ratio (HR) was the predominant effect measure. Physical activity was associated with a reduction in all-cause mortality (HRs: 0.40-0.88; highest versus lowest categories), and a dose-response gradient was observed within two cohorts. Associations with PC-specific mortality were less consistent, with significant inverse findings concentrated in post-diagnosis assessments. The quality of the studies was generally poor, and the certainty of the evidence was very low for both outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Physical activity was associated with lower all-cause mortality risk in men with or at risk of PC, and the most consistent inverse estimates were observed in post-diagnostic assessments. These findings are observational and should not be interpreted as a clinical recommendation. A dose-response pattern was noted within individual studies, although the certainty of evidence was very low for this outcome. Additionally, evidence for PC-specific mortality was inconsistent and of very low certainty. Prospective studies with standardised, objective measures of physical activity are required.