Physical activity for health in South Asian men with prostate cancer
This study is exploring if a simple plan of brisk walking can help South Asian men who have prostate cancer. Currently, more South Asian men with prostate cancer are diagnosed at a later stage and pass away from the disease compared to other groups. The main goal is to see if men are willing to take part in a walking program and continue with it for three months. This will help researchers decide if it's worth doing a larger study to see if brisk walking truly improves health for these men. Participants will walk for 30 minutes, five days a week, and share their experiences through questionnaires and interviews. This research hopes to find a simple way to support men's health.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer affecting men in the UK, with over 50,000 new diagnoses each year. Interestingly, South Asian men are less likely to develop prostate cancer than white men, which suggests there might be something protective about their heritage. However, when South Asian men are diagnosed, it's often at a more advanced stage, and unfortunately, more South Asian men die from prostate cancer than other groups.
This study wants to explore a simple idea: can brisk walking help South Asian men who have prostate cancer? Researchers will ask men to try walking briskly for 30 minutes, five days a week, over three months. The main point of this study is not to prove that walking *definitely* helps, but to see if men are happy to join such a programme and if they can keep up with the walking. This is called a 'feasibility study', meaning it's testing if the idea is practical and if a larger, more detailed study would be worthwhile in the future.
By understanding whether men are willing and able to take part in this physical activity, the study can help us learn if brisk walking has the potential to improve health and well-being for South Asian men with prostate cancer. The researchers want to gather information about their experiences and feelings to shape better support programs in the future.
Key takeaways
- This study focuses on brisk walking for South Asian men with prostate cancer.
- It aims to see if men are willing to join and stick to a walking programme.
- Brisk walking means 30 minutes, 5 days a week, for three months.
- Your input through questionnaires and interviews is important.
- The findings will help decide if a larger study is needed to improve men's health.
- It's a 'feasibility study', checking if the idea is practical.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for adult men aged 18 or older who are of South Asian heritage. You should have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, whether it was recently or some time ago, and it should be in the 'localised' or 'locally advanced' stages, meaning it hasn't spread widely.
You won't be able to join if you can't understand what you're agreeing to, or if your doctor advises against it because of other health conditions or treatments you're receiving. Also, if you need to use a mobility aid other than a walking stick that would stop you from briskly walking, you might not be suitable for this particular study.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you a man aged 18 or older?
- Are you of South Asian heritage?
- Have you been diagnosed with localised or locally advanced prostate cancer?
- Can you give your permission to take part?
- Has your doctor said it's okay for you to do brisk walking?
- Can you walk briskly without needing mobility aids other than a walking stick?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll be asked to try briskly walking for 30 minutes, five days a week, over a three-month period. You'll get support to help you keep going with the walking. During this time, you'll record your step count for one week when you just start, and then again after six weeks, three months, and four months. You'll fill out some questionnaires to share your experiences.
The researchers will also look at some information from your medical records. After you've completed the walking program, some participants will be invited to discuss how they felt about the physical activity in group conversations. The study will run from July 2025 to January 2027.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustCity onlyBradford, England
- North Bristol NHS TrustCity onlyBristol, England
Common questions
What kind of walking do I need to do?
You'll be asked to do 'brisk walking', which means walking quickly enough that your heart rate goes up and you might feel a little out of breath, for 30 minutes, five days a week.
How long will I be involved in the study?
You'll be asked to try the brisk walking for three months, and the study will gather information from you over about four months in total.
Will this study cure my prostate cancer?
No, this study is not designed to cure prostate cancer. It is looking at whether brisk walking is a good and practical activity to help men with prostate cancer, and if a bigger study in the future would be worthwhile.
Do I need to go to a special clinic for this study?
The study involves two hospitals, but you'll do your brisk walking in your own time, wherever is convenient and safe for you. You'll complete questionnaires and record your steps from home.
Who is paying for this research?
The study is funded by the NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre in the UK.
How to find out more
Athene Lane
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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