• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Is There a Link Between BPH and Prostate Cancer? Here’s What You Should Know

Medically reviewed and edited by Heather Hanono, FNP

As men enter their 50s and beyond, they may face an increasing number of health challenges.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — also known as enlarged prostate — and prostate cancer are two of the most prevalent issues faced by older males and can have a significant impact on their well-being.

These conditions can cause similar urinary symptoms, which can often lead to confusion and concern over which treatment options to consider.

That’s why it’s important to understand the differences between BPH and prostate cancer and how likely you may be to develop either condition.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at both diseases, their risk factors, and if any causal links exist between them.

Is There a Link Between Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Prostate Cancer?

Both BPH and prostate cancer are common conditions that become more prevalent as men age. However, there’s currently no evidence to suggest that their occurrence is linked.

BPH is a condition characterized by an enlarged prostate gland that causes pressure on the urethra and bladder neck. This leads to lower urinary tract symptoms and sexual performance issues.

BPH itself is not cancerous but can negatively impact quality of life and increase the risk of other diseases such as UTIs, bladder damage, and kidney stones. Therefore, it is crucial to seek treatment for BPH promptly.

Prostate cancer is a malignant growth of cells in the prostate gland. While it often grows slowly and remains localized, it can also be aggressive and spread to other parts of the body. The causes of prostate cancer are not fully understood, but various factors such as age, ethnicity, family history, lifestyle habits, and environmental factors may increase the risk.

The two conditions can coexist due to the shared risk factor of aging, but having BPH doesn’t necessarily increase the likelihood of developing prostate cancer.

The diseases also differ on a cellular level, making it unlikely that they’re linked.

BPH involves rapidly growing cells that are distinctly non-cancerous.

Prostate cancer, on the other hand, develops when cells grow abnormally and in an aggressive, uncontrolled manner.

This abnormal behavior can also spread to other cells that can metastasize in the body, potentially leading to life-threatening forms of cancer.

What are the Differences Between BPH and Prostate Cancer?

Signs and symptoms

BPH and prostate cancer share some similar symptoms – such as difficulty urinating, frequent need to urinate, and discomfort in the pelvic area – but typically symptoms of prostate cancer are much more severe.

However, BPH primarily causes urinary problems due to the pressure on the urethra, including dribbling, urinary retention, and the inability to empty the bladder.

If left untreated, BPH symptoms can lead to more serious issues like bladder stones and frequent UTIs. On the other hand, early-stage prostate cancer may not present noticeable signs or symptoms, but as it progresses, it can cause similar urinary symptoms as BPH.

Additionally, prostate cancer may also result in finding blood in urine and semen, erectile dysfunction, and sometimes bone pain when it spreads.

Treatment Options

The treatment options for BPH and prostate cancer differ significantly.

For BPH, the initial treatment typically involves medication such as alpha-blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, which relax the prostate muscles.

Lifestyle changes, including dietary adjustments, managing fluid intake, regular exercise, and bladder training, can also help alleviate symptoms.

If these measures are ineffective, non-invasive or surgical procedures like TURP, laser therapy, TUMT, TUNA, PUL, or water vapor therapy may be recommended.

In contrast, treatment for prostate cancer depends on factors like the stage of the disease and overall health.

Radiation therapy is often used to destroy cancer cells by damaging their genetic material. Prostatectomy, a surgical procedure to remove the prostate gland, is another common treatment, often combined with radiation or other therapies.

Focal therapies like cryotherapy or high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) are utilized for small prostate tumors.

Systemic therapies involving drugs administered orally or through an IV, such as hormone therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy, are used to target cancer cells throughout the body.

These therapies may have side effects as they can affect healthy cells. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable treatment approach for an individual's specific condition.

Who is at a Higher Risk of Prostate Cancer and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?

Understanding the risk factors for BPH and prostate cancer is essential for early detection and symptom management.

Although the association between the two are minimal, some factors increase the likelihood of developing one or both conditions. These may include:

• Age, especially in men over the age of 50

• Family history of either disease

• Genetic mutations

• Following a diet that’s high in fats and red meat

• Certain health conditions like obesity

• Poor lifestyle habits, including smoking and drinking

If any of the above categories applies to you, it’s recommended to speak to your doctor about your individual risk and what you can do to lower it.

Your doctor may recommend more frequent screening tests to ensure early detection and lifestyle changes to improve your overall health.

Prostate Issues That Could Indicate Cancer

Prostate cancer often presents with symptoms similar to those of related conditions, such as BPH or prostatitis — ​​inflammation of the prostate gland.

However, certain symptoms are more concerning than others and can potentially indicate cancer:

Changes in urinary habits: While BPH also causes urinary changes, certain symptoms — like difficulty starting urination, weak or interrupted urine flow, and frequent urination at night — may be signs of prostate cancer.

Blood in urine or semen: This is a less common symptom, but it can be a sign of prostate cancer.

Painful ejaculation: Discomfort or pain during ejaculation can be a symptom of cancer.

Erectile dysfunction: Difficulty in achieving or maintaining an erection can sometimes be caused by prostate cancer.

Pelvic discomfort: Persistent or intermittent pain in the pelvic area, lower back, hips, or thighs may be an indication of cancer, especially if it has started to spread.

When Should You Speak to Your Doctor?

BPH and prostate cancer are both serious conditions that require professional treatment. If you suspect that you’ve developed either condition, consult your doctor as soon as possible.

This allows them to detect any issues early on and recommend an appropriate treatment method to prevent more severe symptoms and complications.

You should also speak to your doctor if you experience any of the following:

• Persistent symptoms that don’t improve with treatment

• Worsening symptoms, especially if the severity increases rapidly

• Unexplained and rapid weight loss

• Fatigue and weakness that don’t improve with rest

• Swelling in the legs or pelvic area

These symptoms may be an indication of serious cases of BPH or prostate cancer that require prompt medical intervention.

It’s important to note that these symptoms may also indicate less severe conditions, but that doesn’t mean they should be ignored, and consulting your doctor is highly recommended.

Where Can You Learn More About Enlarged Prostate, Prostate Cancer, and Similar Conditions?

While LifeMD offers care to patients with chronic conditions, these are serious conditions that require ongoing specialty care and extensive work from an in-person healthcare provider.

This being said, if you’re concerned about your prostate health, LifeMD may be able to help.

LifeMD can offer guidance on ways to maintain healthy habits that may support the management of your condition and avoid further complications.

Additionally, a licensed medical provider may be able to treat other conditions contributing to enlarged prostate and BPH.

Your healthcare provider may offer guidance on effective ways to manage your condition and/or prescribe the appropriate medication.

Make an appointment today to get started. Make an appointment with LifeMD today to learn more about proper prostate care — all from the comfort of your home.

Heather Hanono, FNP

Heather is a dedicated Advanced Practice Registered Nurse with experience in urgent care, primary care, emergency medicine, and men's health. A South Florida native, she is bilingual in English and Spanish. Heather completed her Master's in Family Nurse Practitioner at Nova Southeastern University. She is passionate about building trustful relationships with her patients while promoting health and wellness. In her free time, Heather enjoys spending time with her daughter and family, going on vacation, and shopping.

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