The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland that is located just below the bladder in men. The primary function of the prostate is to produce semen to transport sperm and to regulate the flow of urine from the bladder. In some cases, the prostate can become enlarged and cause problems with urination or sexual function. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer are two common conditions that can affect the prostate and cause it to become enlarged. Let’s take a closer look at each of these conditions in order to answer the question of whether BPH can increase the risk of prostate cancer.
What is BPH?
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in men over the age of 50. This condition causes abnormal cell growth within the tissues of the prostate that causes the prostate gland to enlarge. However, the abnormal cell growth is benign, meaning that they cells are not cancerous. Nevertheless, BPH can still cause a range of symptoms such as:
- trouble starting or maintaining a steady stream of urine
- a strong or sudden urge to pass urine
- feeling that the bladder is not able to fully empty
- passing urine at night
- straining to urinate
What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is a condition in which abnormal cells within the prostate gland grow and divide uncontrollably. These cancerous cells can then spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones or lymph nodes. Prostate cancer is most commonly diagnosed in men over the age of 50. However, it is important to note that not all men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer will experience symptoms. In fact, many men with early stage prostate cancer do not experience any symptoms at all. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
- trouble starting or maintaining a steady stream of urine
- a strong or sudden urge to pass urine
- feeling that the bladder is not able to fully empty
- passing urine at night
- straining to urinate
- pain or burning during urination
- blood in the urine or semen
- erectile dysfunction
- bone pain or tenderness
- weight loss without trying
Does BPH Increase the Risk of Prostate Cancer?
So, what is the relationship between BPH and prostate cancer? By looking at the two conditions, you may have noticed that there is a definite overlap in symptoms. Not only that, but BPH and prostate cancer also have similar risk factors, such as age and family history. These similarities are one reason why many people think that BPH can increase the risk of prostate cancer.
In short, there is no clear link between the two conditions. It is currently believed that BPH does not increase the risk of developing prostate cancer since the cells produced with BPH are not cancerous. One recent study has suggested that having BPH may even decrease the risk of developing prostate cancer. However, more research is needed to understand the exact relationship between these two conditions.
While there is no clear link between the two conditions, it is important to be aware of both BPH and prostate cancer, as they are both common conditions that can affect men over the age of 50. If you are experiencing any symptoms related to either condition, be sure to talk to your doctor.
In Conclusion
In this blog, we have discussed the question of whether BPH can increase the risk of prostate cancer. In doing so, we have looked closer at both BPH and prostate cancer. We then discussed the possible relationship between these two conditions. While there is no clear link between BPH and prostate cancer, it is important to be aware of both conditions. If you are experiencing any symptoms related to either condition, be sure to talk to your doctor.
