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.
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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.