The news headline proclaimed that:
“Study finds link between men’s biking and prostate cancer”
but after reading the digest of the study below – we can’t be so sure about the use of the word “link” – the actual wording in the source study in the June issue of the Journal of Men’s Health uses the word “risk” : “conclusion – The findings suggest a graded association between cycling and risk of prostate cancer“.
THIS STUDY analyzed data on 5,282 male cyclists, 16 to 88 years old (average age, 48). All were described as habitual cyclists; some commuted to work on their bikes, some raced as amateurs and others cycled recreationally. About 8 percent reported having erectile dysfunction, 1 percent had an infertility diagnosis and 1 percent had prostate cancer. (The rate was 2 percent among men 50 and older).
The more hours a week a man spent cycling, the more likely he was to have prostate cancer. Among men 50 and older, those who biked four to 81 / 2hours a week were three times as likely to have prostate cancer as were those who biked less than four hours a week. They were six times as likely if they biked more than 81 / 2 hours a week. However, time spent cycling was not linked to erectile dysfunction or infertility.
WHO MAY BE AFFECTED? Men who ride bikes more than occasionally. Complaints of discomfort and health concerns usually focus on the design of the standard bicycle seat, which can put pressure on the prostate/groin area. Men who cycle a lot are often urged to replace the seat with a more comfortable one, to change positions frequently while on long rides and to wear padded bike shorts.
CAVEATS Data came from the participants’ responses on questionnaires. The study did not determine how cycling might contribute to the development of prostate cancer.
article source: http://m.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/study-finds-link-between-mens-biking-and-prostate-cancer-erectile-issuse-not-found/2014/07/14/34cbda54-0847-11e4-8a6a-19355c7e870a_story.html?Post+generic=%3Ftid%3Dsm_twitter_washingtonpost
photo credit: http://cdn.allparkcity.com/images/content/5074_8625_Castlewood_Canyon_Mountain_Biking_md.jpg
