The prostate is a small, walnut-sized organ located just below the bladder and surrounds part of the urethra—the tube that carries urine from the bladder out through the penis. This gland plays a crucial role in producing prostate fluid, a component of semen that helps nourish and protect sperm.
Two prevalent conditions that affect the prostate are prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate. While they may share similar symptoms and typically occur in older men, it's essential to understand that they are distinct conditions with different implications, and there is a difference between BPH and prostate cancer. Your risk for prostate cancer hasn’t been shown to be increased if you suffer from BPH [1].
Early detection is key for both conditions. If you're experiencing any potential symptoms of prostate enlargement, Mosh offers a free online enlargement prostate assessment to help determine the next steps
What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer starts when prostate cells begin to grow uncontrollably. It is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Australian men in 2023, according to Cancer Australia [2]. The risk of prostate cancer increases with age, and genetic factors play a substantial role [3].
Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer [3]
Prostate cancer is not clearly linked to any preventable causes. Your risk of developing it can be down to several factors, but anything that can increase your risk of getting a disease is called a risk factor.
- Age: Men who are of an older age are more at risk
- Family History: A history of prostate cancer in the family increases the risk [4].
- Ethnicity: Men of African ancestry face a higher risk.
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese is linked to a higher risk [5].
- Exposure: Pesticide exposure may contribute.
- Vasectomy: Recent studies suggest that men who've had a vasectomy are 1.3 times more likely to develop advanced prostate cancer compared with those who hadn’t had the procedure. While vasectomies were linked to the risk of advanced cancer, experts express there was no link found to developing localised prostate cancer [5].
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer may not show symptoms in its early stages. When they do appear, symptoms may include [6]:
- Difficulty passing urine
- Weak or interrupted urine flow
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Blood in urine or semen
- Pain or burning during urination
- Painful ejaculation
- Persistent pain in the back, hips, or pelvis
Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer [8]
Treatment options depend on several key factors:
- Stage of the Disease: Whether it's early-stage prostate cancer confined to the prostate gland or advanced prostate cancer that has spread to outside the prostate.
- Location of the Cancer: Specific areas within the prostate or surrounding tissues where cancer cells are present
- Severity of Symptoms
- General health and Personal Preferences: Treatments for prostate cancer are influenced by your overall health condition, age, and personal wishes.
What Is Benign Prostate Hyperplasia?
BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia, is the noncancerous enlargement of the prostate. It's a common prostate condition that affects the size of the prostate as men age.
Risk Factors for BPH [9]
- Age: BPH is more common in men over 40.
- Family History: Genetics can play a role.
- Lifestyle: Obesity and lack of physical activity may increase risk of being diagnosed with BPH.
- Medical Conditions: Diabetes and heart disease are linked to growth of prostate.
Symptoms of BPH
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia symptoms can be similar to those of prostate cancer but are generally related to urinary function [10]:
- Urgent need to urinate
- Frequent urination during the day and night
- Difficulty starting urination
- Weak urine stream that stops and starts
- Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
- Straining while urinating
- Dribbling at the end of urination
Treatment Options for BPH [11]
- Medications: Alpha-blockers to relax prostate and bladder neck muscles, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors to shrink the size of the prostate.
- Minimally Invasive Therapies: Transurethral microwave therapy, laser therapy, prostatic urethral lift.
- Surgery: Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) removes excess prostate tissue.
Nature of the Condition
- Prostate Cancer: Malignant cells in the prostate that can spread to other parts of the body.
- BPH: Noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that doesn't spread, which means it's not cancer.
Both conditions can have similar symptoms due to prostate enlargement, but prostate cancer may also include blood in urine or semen and pain in bones if the cancer has spread.
Risk Factors
- Shared Factors: Age and family history.
- Unique to Prostate Cancer: Ethnicity, genetics, and certain dietary factors.
- Unique to BPH: Obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
Diagnosis
- Prostate Cancer: Detected with blood tests and confirmed through a prostate imaging and biopsy detecting cancer cells.
- BPH: Detected with blood tests and diagnosed based on symptoms, physical exams, and tests that measure urine flow.
Treatment
- Prostate Cancer: May involve active surveillance, surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, or chemotherapy.
- BPH: Focuses on relieving symptoms and may include medications or procedures to shrink or remove excess prostate tissue.
While understanding the differences between prostate cancer and BPH is crucial, many men also seek natural ways to manage BPH symptoms. Explore our guide on the 7 Best Natural Remedies for BPH Symptoms to learn about potential lifestyle changes and supplements that may help alleviate discomfort.
While both affect the prostate gland and can cause similar symptoms, BPH does not lead to prostate cancer. However, it's possible for a person to have both conditions simultaneously. Regular check-ups are essential for early detection and treatment, as BPH can lead to complications. If left untreated, BPH has a significant risk of progression and can cause further blockage in your urethra [12]
Regular Screening
- PSA Test: Recommended for men over 50 or earlier for those with risk factors.
- Digital Rectal Exam: Helps detect abnormalities in the prostate gland to catch bph or prostate cancer early.
Seeking Medical Advice
If you experience symptoms of prostate problems, such as difficulty urinating or pain, consult your healthcare provider promptly. Early detection improves treatment outcomes for both BPH and prostate cancer.
- Consult Your GP: Discuss symptoms and risk factors.
- Specialist Referral: You may be referred to a urologist for further evaluation.
- Prostate Health Quiz: Consider taking a quiz to assess your symptoms and risk.
At Mosh, you can get prostate health checks, comprehensive online assessments and specialist referrals, all in the one place. It just starts with a quiz!
