Prostate cancer risk and cycling: Is there a correlation?

Prostate cancer risk and cycling: Is there a correlation?

23 Jul 2014

Many debate whether men who frequently ride a bicycle have higher risk of disorders like prostate cancer prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction, or infertility.

CareAcross-Image of cyclicsts

The results of a study of nearly 5,300 male cyclists who participated in the Cycling for Health UK Study are presented in an article in Journal of Men’s Health.

Milo Hollingworth, MBBS and Alice Harper, MBBS, University College London Medical School, and Mark Hamer, PhD, University College London, analysed the risk for these three disorders in relation to the amount of weekly cycling time, ranging from <3.75 hours up to >8.5 hours per week.

Small increase in risk for prostate cancer for those over 50

They report their findings in the article “An Observational Study of Erectile Dysfunction, Infertility and Prostate Cancer in Regular Cyclists: Cycling for Health UK Study.” The article's abstract states that:

There was no association between cycling time and ED or infertility, disputing the existence of a simple causal relationship. However, a graded increase (p-trend=0.025) in the risk of prostate cancer in men aged over 50 years (odds ratios: 2.94, 2.89, and 6.14) was found in relation to cycling 3.75–5.75, 5.76–8.5, and >8.5 hours/week, respectively, compared to cycling <3.75 hours/week.

Regarding prostate cancer, the authors conclude:

The positive association between prostate cancer and increasing cycling time provides a novel perspective on the etiology of prostate cancer and warrants further investigation.

“Physicians should discuss the potential risks and health benefits of cycling with their patients, and how it may impact their overall health,” says Ajay Nehra, MD, Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Men’s Health and Chair, Department of Urology, Director, Men’s Health, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL.

 

Source: eCancer News

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