BPH is not cancerous, and it does not increase the risk of developing prostate cancer. BPH stands for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Benign means “not cancer,” and hyperplasia means abnormal cell growth. The result is that the prostate becomes enlarged. BPH is not linked to cancer and does not increase your risk of getting prostate cancer—yet the symptoms for BPH and prostate cancer can be similar. Such symptoms may include:
- Trouble starting a urine stream or making more than a dribble
- Passing urine often, especially at night
- Feeling that the bladder has not fully emptied
- A strong or sudden urge to pass urine
- Weak or slow urine stream
- Stopping and starting again several times while passing urine
- Pushing or straining to begin passing urine
Note however that it is possible for a man with BPH to also have prostate cancer, as the two conditions can coexist. If you have BPH, you may have undetected prostate cancer at the same time. To help detect prostate cancer in its early stages, every person with a prostate should get a prostate screening every year between the ages of 55 and 69.
If you are concerned about your prostate health, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. They will be able to determine the best course of action for your individual situation.