Cycling after radical prostatectomy (RP)? Increase risk of recurrence?

Posted by mckboh @mckboh1, Aug 18, 2022

It is now over 4 months since my operation.

Anyone have any guidelines on returning to cycling.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Prostate Cancer Support Group.

Hi @tcanava, You will notice we added a little to your discussion title to better describe the discussion and hopefully bring in members with experience to share with you. I did find the following information that may be helpful.

"How long after radical prostatectomy can I ride a bike?
You can start daily activities (such as walking and climbing stairs) immediately when you get home. However, you should wait three to four weeks before beginning any heavy exercise, such as jogging, weight lifting, and bicycle riding."
-- After Robotic Prostate Surgery | Mount Sinai: https://www.mountsinai.org/care/urology/services/robotic-surgery/da-vinci/after-surgery

Did your surgeon or care team provide any guidelines or suggestions?

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@johnbishop

Hi @tcanava, You will notice we added a little to your discussion title to better describe the discussion and hopefully bring in members with experience to share with you. I did find the following information that may be helpful.

"How long after radical prostatectomy can I ride a bike?
You can start daily activities (such as walking and climbing stairs) immediately when you get home. However, you should wait three to four weeks before beginning any heavy exercise, such as jogging, weight lifting, and bicycle riding."
-- After Robotic Prostate Surgery | Mount Sinai: https://www.mountsinai.org/care/urology/services/robotic-surgery/da-vinci/after-surgery

Did your surgeon or care team provide any guidelines or suggestions?

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The hospital said 3 months but my Urologist says I should gradually build up and use a soft saddle. I do not want to replace my saddle on my racing bike.

Does anyone have a program which they followed where they increased a bit every week.

Just wondering when I can do a 3 or 4 hour cycle again or go on a cycling holiday. It is my main pastime.

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@mckboh1

The hospital said 3 months but my Urologist says I should gradually build up and use a soft saddle. I do not want to replace my saddle on my racing bike.

Does anyone have a program which they followed where they increased a bit every week.

Just wondering when I can do a 3 or 4 hour cycle again or go on a cycling holiday. It is my main pastime.

Jump to this post

I'm hoping others who are avid cyclists and have had similar surgery can share their experience with you. Here is a story I found along with a study that might provide some hope...

-- How I returned to bicycling after prostate surgery: https://www.bikingbis.com/2008/09/27/how-i-returned-to-bicycling-after-prostate-surgery/
-- A 1,408 km bicycle tour with prostate cancer patients—results of a pilot study: https://eurapa.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1007/s11556-012-0119-z

I know you don't want to replace your saddle on your racing bike but are there other alternatives you can look at that would answer any concerns your urologist has?

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Six months after my RP surgery, I road my road bike. I had some discomfort and stopped after an hour. Two weeks later, I road a comfortable city cruiser without any discomfort. In comparison, five months after my surgery, I ran a marathon without any discomfort. Good luck.

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Can cycling help the cancer spread in case of Recurrence after Surgery

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@mckboh1

Can cycling help the cancer spread in case of Recurrence after Surgery

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I see that you've expanded your questioning to ask whether continuing to cycle after prostate cancer treating might increase your risk of recurrence. Here's an article that helps to answer that question:
- 8 Facts Cyclist Should Know Biking and the Prostate https://www.byramhealthcare.com/blogs/8-facts-about-biking-and-the-prostate

Bottom line, cycling is good for your health and exercise including cycling can reduce your chances of recurrence. Supporting what @jerryegge said, you may wish to consider what seat you're using for maximum comfort. And above all, continue to be monitored by your doctor.

@tcanavan, did you ask your oncologist about cycling?

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@colleenyoung

I see that you've expanded your questioning to ask whether continuing to cycle after prostate cancer treating might increase your risk of recurrence. Here's an article that helps to answer that question:
- 8 Facts Cyclist Should Know Biking and the Prostate https://www.byramhealthcare.com/blogs/8-facts-about-biking-and-the-prostate

Bottom line, cycling is good for your health and exercise including cycling can reduce your chances of recurrence. Supporting what @jerryegge said, you may wish to consider what seat you're using for maximum comfort. And above all, continue to be monitored by your doctor.

@tcanavan, did you ask your oncologist about cycling?

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No I didn’t discuss riding a bike with my oncologist. However, I did discuss with my RP surgeon, before my surgery, potential fitness activities, to include running and cycling. My recovery plan started immediately with walking. After six months, I took a short bike ride.
Hope this helps to explain my lead up to riding a bike again.

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@colleenyoung

I see that you've expanded your questioning to ask whether continuing to cycle after prostate cancer treating might increase your risk of recurrence. Here's an article that helps to answer that question:
- 8 Facts Cyclist Should Know Biking and the Prostate https://www.byramhealthcare.com/blogs/8-facts-about-biking-and-the-prostate

Bottom line, cycling is good for your health and exercise including cycling can reduce your chances of recurrence. Supporting what @jerryegge said, you may wish to consider what seat you're using for maximum comfort. And above all, continue to be monitored by your doctor.

@tcanavan, did you ask your oncologist about cycling?

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Not with an oncologist. The couple of times I have tried it has not been a problem 30 mins and 1 hour respectively with my normal racing bike saddle

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I have read on other forums that one should refrain from cycling and sexual activity before an ultra sensitive psa test post surgery. Is there any truth in this?

Also if there is residual cancer on the prostate bed would cycling be a bad idea?
.

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@mckboh1

Not with an oncologist. The couple of times I have tried it has not been a problem 30 mins and 1 hour respectively with my normal racing bike saddle

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Surgery in 2017, riding is back to normal about 100 miles a week. Have done metric 100 without any serious issues and cycling vacations 200 plus in a week. I did change my saddle to a more prostate friendly style.

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