Reports cycling could increase the risk of prostate cancer

NationalWorld.com

Dr Robert Thomas explains reports cycling could increase the risk of prostate cancer so I have explain the research in more detail and given some tips how to mitigate them.

Transcript

00:00 [Music]

00:08 Exercise is one of the most important lifestyle strategies we can do

00:12 to improve our current well-being and our future health.

00:16 But there are reports going around that cycling can increase the risk of prostate cancer.

00:22 But are they true?

00:23 The trial which suggested that cycling increased the risk of prostate cancer

00:28 actually looked at men who cycled more than eight hours a week

00:32 and compared that to men who cycled about three hours a week.

00:36 And there was a slight difference in the extreme cyclists.

00:40 But actually both groups had a lower risk of prostate cancer than the general population.

00:46 So the bottom line is cycling reduces your risk.

00:49 It's just if you're an extreme cyclist you need to take more precautions.

00:55 The issue with cycling as opposed to other sports is that you sit on a saddle

00:59 and the prostate gland lies very low in the pelvis.

01:03 So over a number of hours it could sustain a lot of pressure

01:07 and minor trauma which could set up some inflammation.

01:11 As you can see the prostate is just above the saddle.

01:17 So that means you have to be a little bit careful.

01:22 If you feel you're getting some numbness in the perineum then you know you've overdone it.

01:28 To reduce the trauma on the prostate try to buy a soft saddle.

01:34 And particularly one like this which actually has a gap in the middle

01:38 which reduces the pressure on the prostate.

01:40 So there is some truth in the science.

01:44 It's been overstated but you can mitigate some of the problems.

01:50 Nobody will deny that cycling gives many people so much pleasure.

01:54 You're out in the fresh air, you're getting the sunshine on your skin,

01:58 you're using your muscles.

02:00 It really has to be good for you.

02:02 But like all exercise you have to be sensible.

02:06 Make sure you keep hydrated, make sure you eat lots of healthy foods before you ride.

02:12 Particularly those with phytochemicals which give food its colour and taste such as berries.

02:19 And these phytochemicals will help mop up the extra free radicals you get when you cycle.

02:25 They'll help reduce damage to the joints and help with muscle recovery.

02:30 So it's all about being sensible and then you'll get the best out of every ride.

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