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The Effect of Long-distance Cycling on the Prostate-Specific Antigen Level
Randall A. Swain, MD;
Norman Montalto, DO;
David Ross, MD
Arch Fam Med. 1997;6(5):500-502.
Abstract
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The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level has become an important tool in the diagnosis and management of prostate cancer. Screening for PSA has become more common in male subjects older than 50 years. However, false-positive results of the test can often lead to excess expenditures through unnecessary medical workups. Bicycling has been suggested as a possible cause of PSA elevation. We conducted a trial on 20 male cyclists aged 27 to 54 years who were recruited from a local cycling club. All subjects had an initial enrollment medical history and physical examination with a digital rectal examination performed, and a baseline PSA level measured. Subjects also had possible symptoms for benign prostatic hyperplasia surveyed by the International Prostate Symptom Score questionnaire. Cyclists then had another measurement of their PSA level after a long cycling tour that they had all entered prior to joining the study (mean time on bike, 4 hours 37 minutes). No significant differences were seen in the PSA level at any time owing to bicycle riding. However, most of the subjects did complain of numbness in the perineal region. Therefore, we conclude that cycling does not cause elevations in the PSA levels in normal subjects.
Author Affiliations
From the Departments of Family Medicine (Drs Swain and Montalto) and Sports Medicine (Dr Swain), West Virginia University—Charleston Division, Charleston; and the Department of Family and Sports Medicine, Methodist Hospital of Dallas and University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas (Dr Ross).
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