Prioritizing Exercise Amid Prostate Cancer
- Even after being diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer, dentist and marathoner Dr. Randall Kam credits rigorous exercise with keeping him strong, resilient, and inspiring others while championing regular prostate screenings.
- In SurvivorNet’s latest original documentary, “Marathon Man: The Dr. Randall Kam Story,” Dr. Kam opens up about the habits behind his longevity while sharing a powerful message about a disease that affects 1 in 8 men.
- Discover more on “Men Beating The Odds”—an inspiring series that shares the powerful stories of men overcoming prostate cancer and redefining what it means to survive—here.
“Fighting prostate cancer is hard. You need to devote time and energy, and part of that is exercising,” Kam tells SurvivorNet, as part of a 12-film series titled “Men Beating The Odds,” hosted by NFL Legend Emmitt Smith, whose father battled prostate cancer.
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Kam, who had already run over 100 marathons before being diagnosed with metastatic stage 4 prostate cancer in 2014, has refused to let the disease slow him down, continuing to push his body and build strength.
He insists that “the fitter you are, the better able to tolerate treatments” during the production of SurvivorNet’s new original documentary film, “Marathon Man: The Dr. Randall Kam Story.”
Kam makes sure to prioritize whole-body exercises, something he dubs “essential.”
“It’s exhilarating, and I love the feeling of exertion because that means I’m doing something awesome,” he says.
WATCH: Randall Kam’s ‘Precious’ Marathon Medals
Now, Kam is determined to spread awareness for the importance of prostate cancer screenings, urging, “Check your prostate guys.
“Don’t fear the finger. Annual PSA tests. Essential for longevity.”
Looking back on the “Save the Whales” movement, an anti-whaling campaign in the early 70s, Kam cleverly added, “Instead of save the whales, we’re gonna save the males.
“They are worth saving.”
Exercise: A Game-Changer for Cancer Survivors
Research increasingly shows that staying active is crucial for cancer survivors, helping support both physical recovery and emotional well-being, particularly in older adults.
In 2025, a JAMA study examined 27 clinical trials with 1,929 older adults living with cancer, revealing compelling results:
- Regular physical activity led to significant reductions in depression and anxiety
- Participants reported improved overall quality of life — physically and emotionally
- Mind-body practices like yoga and tai chi had an even greater impact on mood than traditional exercise routines
Maintaining Your Fitness Helps Reduce Cancer Risk
A separate 2025 study published in Cancer Medicine examined breast cancer survivors and confirmed similar benefits:
- Exercise consistently lowered depression and anxiety levels
- Aerobic workouts and hybrid programs combining cardio, strength, and balance training were especially effective
These findings build on earlier research, including a 2019 study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. In that study, patients with a median age of 67 undergoing chemotherapy took part in a six-week exercise program and saw notable improvements in mood and reductions in anxiety during treatment.
Lifestyle Changes That Can Help You On Your Prostate Cancer Journey
The benefits of movement extend beyond clinical trials. A large population study from the University of Oslo looked at anxiety levels among skiers across Sweden and found that those who exercised regularly experienced significantly lower anxiety than their inactive peers.
For survivors like Dr. Kam, exercise isn’t just about physical fitness — it’s a path to emotional healing. Every run, stretch, or workout reflects resilience, recovery, and the remarkable impact of staying active.
SurvivorNet Resources for Men on Prostate Cancer
SurvivorNet provides a wide range of resources for men looking to learn about prostate cancer screening, early detection, and biopsies, including this comprehensive Patient Guide to Prostate Cancer Testing.
For men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer, whether it be early stage or advanced, the good news is that there are many treatment options available: from surgery and radiation, to newer targeted treatments for patients with advanced prostate cancer called radioligand therapy.
Radioligand Therapy: Who Is Eligible & How Does It Work?
SurvivorNet also encourages men and their families to take advantage of its proprietary AI-generated, doctor-backed “My Health Questions” feature, where users can get real-time answers to virtually any question they have about testing, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
For those diagnosed, SurvivorNet provides a helpful, interactive Clinical Trial Finder, offering information on current and upcoming trials.
When Should I Get Tested for Prostate Cancer?
Content independently created by SurvivorNet with support from Novartis Pharmaceutical Corp.
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