So I’m sitting this Tour out because I’ve tested positive for Prostate cancer. I’m having a biopsy in two weeks, so I’ll know more then. Until then, I’m not sure what to do. At this point, I feel fine, but I’m worried about aggravating my prostate by cycling.
I’m hoping to get some feedback from medical professionals or cyclists who’ve dealt with prostate issues themselves.
Thanks!
Oh Sir Brian, am so sorry to hear this. No advice re cycling with this, but my grandad had superly successful treatment…gosh 30 years ago or more and made a full recovery really quickly. I wish you a full recovery also!!!
@Sir_Brian_M I am very sorry to hear this.
How far through the diagnostic process are you? Will this be your first biopsy? Earlier this week I was talking to one of my customers about prostate issues (FWIW I have BPH). He recently had elevated PSA followed by an MRI which came back with a PI-RADS of 4, very concerning indeed, following that he had a biopsy which did not identify an cancer. A very happy outcome for him.
Hoping your biopsy may have a similar results, but if not it is a very treatable cancer and generally very slow growing.
The time between now and the biopsy will be difficult but it’s good you have it scheduled soon and will quickly know what you are facing. Once you know that you can start moving forward in whatever way is necessary.
No feedback or experience from me but my thoughts are with you, Sir Brian.
So sorry to hear this news Sir Brian.
Wishing you the very best for the treat and a full recovery! God-speed.
Sorry to hear this Sir Brian. No advice nor experience here either. Just wanted to wish you a full recovery.
Hey, sorry to hear this. Take care and speedy recovery.
@Sir_Brian_M Saw this article a few days ago that might be of interest.
https://www.wsj.com/health/wellness/prostate-cancer-low-risk-treatment-rename-185b6e3f
We’re all on your side, Sir Brian.
@Sir_Brian_M That’s some tough news, my thoughts and best wishes are with you.
I have two cycling buddies who have had prostate cancer, and been successfully treated. They both had some time off the bike, but were able to resume cycling after treatments and when there was no discomfort. I’m sure you will find a plethora of stories and advice, and as always, look after yourself.
I don’t know why riding now would affect things before a prostate biopsy, I went down that road more than a decade ago, got a negative biopsy, and spent the intervening time with progressively worsening BPH symptoms. I did finally have major prostate-plus surgery, so I can speak to one example of the recovery.
Most of my urologists happen to have been cyclists, so their opinions may be self-serving, but I was told that cycling was either good or neutral for pre-surgery prostate issues. One doc told me that recent cycling can cause PSA levels to increase, so don’t freak out about the sudden rise I had, but we opted for a biopsy and ongoing monitoring to be sure.
Ten years later I had robotic surgery to repair a bladder defect, and we decided to remove most of the now-massive prostate because of symptoms. My doc initially said stay off the bike for six weeks, but when my wife explained that I’m much less grumpy when I can get exercise, he relented and said I could take it easy on the trainer after four weeks. I was in relatively bad shape for recovery, since that was my fifth anesthesia-requiring procedure in 2023, and I am still down from massive blood loss following an earlier major GI bleed (hint: as you age, cut back on the NSAIDS for trivial stuff, they can bite back), so I waited almost the full six weeks, dialed my my FTP down 10 percent (my HR says that was somewhat optimistic) and got back to work with easier Suf sessions. Further dialing the effort down to 95%, I should manage to comfortably complete both the December and January Wahoo monthly challenges despite having this fairly major surgery in the interim, and hopefully should be able to re-test with HM or FF soon.
I also have a brother-in-law and several cycling buddies who had surgery for prostate cancer or major prostate issues. They generally had uneventful recoveries and were not out-of-the-saddle for more than a month or two, regardless of whether they were 60 or 80 years old.
Good luck. I hope it is not cancer, or if it is, that it is sufficiently non-aggressive that you don’t need to treat it immediately if ever.
Wow! Sorry you went through all that. Very helpful though and thanks for sharing
Tough. I recently had a normal PSA result.
Hope your treatment is effective.
So did I and results were ok. To be sure I didn’t exercise for 48 hours before, as advised, as that can skew the results. Unfortunately the PSA test is quite a vague test and results either way are no guarantees of Yes or No and currently, that is all we have to go on. My reason for going in the first place was having to go to the loo too frequently and getting up two of three times in the night which is a right pain TBH. I now restrict my last liquid intake to at least 2/3 hours before bed and now may not have to get up during a six hours sleep or at least only once. Not too worried about daytime as I do drink a lot of water (during exercise) and probably too much tea. I am 70
Sir_Brian_M:
I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I have direct experience with the problem - I was diagnosed in September of 2022. I spent the period between then and February 1 evaluating the situation and choosing a course of radiation therapy. During that time, I rode my trainer with the blessing of my doctors. I continued to ride the trainer during the radiation treatment - the oncologist said that as long as I was up to it, it wouldn’t affect the treatment. I even participated in a supported ride (32 miles/3200 ft) during treatment. Far from creating a problem, being on the bike kept me sane.
I strongly recommend that you ask your doctor about your concerns, since every case is different. If you want to discuss this at length, I’m sure we can figure out a way to communicate directly.
Mark Proulx, Bellingham, Washington.
Brian, I am a prostate cancer survivor and a former pro rider. I ride an average of 5,000 miles a year and I race about 20-30 times a year – some crits and road races, but mostly fondos and cyclocross. I’m 68. I fought very hard to get the right oncologist who understood the needs and aptitudes of aging athletes. As she said when looking an my heartrate and blood pressure, “we don’t see many men like you!” She meant that most of the men they see have comorbidities, like high blood pressure and obesity. Understand that you need to educate your doctors about cycling and athletes like us.
Regarding biopsies, understand that your PSA will almost double after the procedure. My PSA was 9. After the biopsy, it was 16. Don’t worry about it: it will come down over time.
I opted for radiation and chemo (ADT with Lupron and Casadex). The reason is for that choice is because my brother has stage 4 prostate cancer that has metastasized, and surgery did not stop the cancer. Radiation has proven to be just as effective as surgery in stopping cancer, with the added benefit of enabling you to maintain your erectile function. The radiation forced me to lose one of my erectile nerve bundles, but with viagra, my wife and I don’t notice it.
I told my oncologist that I HAD to ride throughout the treatment. As Mark Proulx said, it kept me sane. I came back later that year to race a full season of cyclocross.
I hope this helps. Please me know if you want to have a chat.
@Sir_Brian_M it’s a bummer to get this diagnosis, but you are in good shape and will sail through anything required. One word though, listen to your medical team. They will be a better judge at where you are in the process. Had a friend here who is finally back to full speed. He tried too much too soon and paid the price.
