PROSTATE cancer is the most common cancer among Jamaican men, with one in eight affected at some point in their lives. It accounts for 31 per cent of all male cancers on the island. The Jamaica Cancer Society reports a rate of 304 cases per 100,000 men.

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and the Caribbean has one of the highest prostate cancer mortality rates globally, with Jamaica significantly affected. Late detection, limited access to health care, and inadequate prevention programmes contribute to the issue. From 1983 to 2007, research among Jamaican males revealed a 270 per cent increase in prostate cancer patients of African heritage, underscoring the need for action. We must develop innovative care models, including physical activity and physiotherapy (rehabilitation) as these have been proven to improve outcomes for patients and survivors.

The transformative power of physical activity in cancer care

Globally, the evidence from developed countries’ cancer care programmes shows that physical activity significantly benefits cancer patients. Regular physical activity has been proven to enhance quality of life, increase survival rates, and lower the risk of cancer recurrence and diagnosis. A major study by the National Cancer Institute in the United States found that prostate cancer patients who engaged in at least three hours of intense physical activity per week had a 61 per cent lower risk of prostate cancer-specific death compared to inactive individuals.

The benefits of physical activity extend beyond survival rates. Exercise helps reduce the side effects of treatment, such as fatigue, muscle wasting, and depression, which are common in prostate cancer patients. Countries like Australia have set a global standard for integrating exercise into cancer treatment with its EX-MED cancer programme. The programme saw that personalised exercise plans reduced treatment-related side effects by 30 per cent and improved the overall health outcomes of prostate cancer patients.

Physiotherapy: A pillar of cancer rehabilitation

Physiotherapy is at the forefront of cancer rehabilitation worldwide, and it is time for Jamaica to fully adopt this crucial part of care. Physiotherapists play an important role in treating the physical and functional deficits caused by prostate cancer therapies such as surgery, radiation, and hormone therapy. For instance, pelvic floor therapy can treat incontinence; specific exercises can help with sexual dysfunction, and strength training can address extreme exhaustion. Although these therapies are life-saving, they often come with their own set of challenges. Physiotherapy offers personalised treatments to alleviate these symptoms, enabling men to regain control over their bodies.

In Canada, the prostate cancer rehabilitation programme offers a multidisciplinary approach to recovery, combining physiotherapy, nutrition, and mental health support. A study of this programme showed that over 80 per cent of participants experienced significant improvements in urinary continence and sexual function within six months of starting the programme. Similarly, Denmark’s prostate cancer physiotherapy initiative found that patients who participated in a structured exercise and rehabilitation programme post-treatment had a 20 per cent reduction in mortality risk.

Jamaica can transform its approach to cancer care by embracing the benefits of physical activity and physiotherapy rehabilitation. Collaborations between stakeholders such as the National Cancer Society, the Ministry of Health and Wellness, medical professionals, and associations such as the Jamaica Physiotherapy Association must be encouraged so we can establish standardised rehabilitation pathways for prostate cancer patients similar to those in the United Kingdom and Australia. Integrating physiotherapists into oncology teams to provide pre-habilitation before treatments and rehabilitation after treatments will significantly enhance recovery outcomes. This much-needed change is only possible through unity and teamwork.

Given the current burden on Jamaica’s health-care system, the role of physical therapy in cancer care could reduce long-term treatment costs by mitigating the need for prolonged hospital stays and improving the quality of life for survivors. Regional studies show that early intervention with exercise and physiotherapy can reduce cancer recurrence by 20-30 per cent. Incorporating such practices into prostate cancer care in Jamaica could be transformative, not only in terms of patient outcomes but also in terms of healthcare system sustainability and cost-effectiveness.

Innovative programmes are slowly emerging in the Caribbean. In Barbados, the Healthy Men, Healthy Families initiative promotes physical activity among men diagnosed with prostate cancer. This programme could serve as a model for Jamaica, especially with its strong emphasis on community engagement and education.

Call to action: A future of holistic cancer care

Let us focus on making positive changes in prostate cancer care across Jamaica. As we continue to wear blue, representing hope, strength, and solidarity for the rest of September. It is time to go beyond raising awareness to taking action. It is crucial to incorporate physical activity and physiotherapy into cancer care pathways. By drawing inspiration from global best practices and customising them to fit our local context, we can reduce prostate cancer mortality and enhance the lives of countless men across the island. The potential for change is well within our grasp.

The statistics may be concerning, but they do not determine the outcome. With a focus on physical activity, physiotherapy, and a fresh approach to cancer care, Jamaica can lead the way in prostate cancer rehabilitation in the Caribbean. As we wear blue in solidarity this September and beyond, let us take action, embrace innovation, and provide multi-layered and multidimensional care to steer prostate cancer in a positive direction.

Offniel Lamont is a public health advocate and registered physiotherapist with an MSc in Sports Medicine, Exercise, and Health. He specialises in preventing, monitoring and managing sports injuries, particularly among young athletes, and combating non-communicable diseases through comprehensive sports and healthcare management.