Bicycle riding (Photo : Photo: Facebook)
According to a report published in Journal of Men's Health, researchers at University College London have linked bicycle riding and prostate cancer. However, the same study reported that cycling doesn't have any link with erectile dysfunction (ED) or male infertility.
According to News Max, the study found that men who ride bicycles for more than 8.5 hours in a week may have higher probability of having prostate cancer than those who cycle less frequently. The study, however, has no proof of the fact that there is a real connection between Prostate Cancer and bicycle riding.
The study was conducted on male bikers chosen randomly. It found that in men biking the most, 3.5 percent said that they had prostate cancer. Out of those biking the least, 0.5 percent said they had it, the findings found.
So, should we stop riding bicycles?
Not really. The lead author of the report, Dr. Milo Hollingworth, has openly acknowledged that the results of the study are "difficult to interpret."
"Don't stop cycling because of this study," said Chris Oliver, a Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh surgeon in Scotland.
The lead author Mr. Hollingworth has also voiced that men should not stop cycling due to the findings of the study. The findings may not represent the reality.
Previous studies have showed links of cycling with ED and male fertility. This study, however, did not find any significant proof of a link between cycling and these two men's health issues.
The new study involved 5,000 plus male bicyclists from 2012 to 2013. The population had eight percent of males who had ED while only one percent had infertility issues.
CBS News reports that Hollingworth has stressed that men should consider other aspects of bicycling too. Men should not be afraid of bicycle riding due to the findings.
"The benefits for your heart, lungs, whole body and mental health are much more important," Hollingworth said.
