How is your prostate health? If you’re over 40 and reading this, have you had an appointment with a urology specialist to check your prostate yet? Prostate health is something most men like to brush under the carpet, we don’t think much about it until something goes wrong. However, taking a preventative approach to prostate health management is the best way to prevent things from going wrong. Catching BPH or prostate cancer early can mean the difference between life and death in some cases. But how do you know if you have prostate cancer? How do you differentiate this disease from other less life-threatening conditions like Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)? This post aims to educate you on the differences between enlarged prostate and prostate cancer.
The Prostate & Prostate Health – An Overview
The prostate is a small walnut-sized gland residing below the bladder and in front of the rectum. Its chief role is to produce seminal fluid, which nourishes and transports sperm during ejaculation. As men age, their prostate changes in several ways. Some men experience issues with prostate health, with the most common problem being additional growth of the gland, resulting in the condition, of BPH.
What is an Enlarged Prostate?
Prostate enlargement can occur due to benign prostatic hyperplasia, a term used in medicine for noncancerous growth in the size of the prostate gland. The risk of developing BPH rises with age, with 50% of men experiencing some form of BPH by age 60. At age 85, 90% will be dealing with the effects of this disorder on their prostate health. Symptoms of BPH include frequent urination, trouble starting urination, weak urine stream, and the feeling that the bladder isn’t empty after urinating.
Causes of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
The cause of BPH isn’t completely clear, although there is evidence it has a relationship with hormonal changes in aging men. Changes in the balance between the sex hormones, testosterone and estrogen, promote prostate growth. BPH isn’t cancer and doesn’t change into prostate cancer, however, it can cause bothersome symptoms affecting your quality of life.
What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is one of the most common kinds of cancer in men. It results from abnormal growth of prostate gland cells. While it can be a serious disease, prostate cancer grows slowly and maintains locality to the gland, meaning there is little risk of prostate cancer metastasizing to other areas of the body.
Prostate Cancer: Risk Factors
The risk of developing prostate cancer also increases with age. Prostate cancer is most common in men over 50, usually with a family history of prostate cancer. African American men also deal with a higher risk of developing the disorder, and lifestyle factors like poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle can be contributing factors.
Enlarged Prostate and Prostate Cancer: Are They Related?
Now the million-dollar question: is there a link between an enlarged prostate and the development of prostate cancer? While both conditions sometimes share overlapping symptoms, these are two different issues with varied causes. Having BPH doesn’t put you at higher risk of developing prostate cancer. However, since they occasionally coexist, it’s essential to get a prostate exam every 12 to 24 months, depending on your age.
Diagnosis – The Differences Between BPH and Prostate Cancer Examinations
Diagnosing BPH and prostate cancer usually incorporates a mix of methods. Diagnosis of BPH usually requires one or more of the following: a digital rectal exam, urine tests, or PSA blood tests. For cancer, a biopsy may be necessary. The PSA test is the gold standard for this; when Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) levels run high, it may indicate either BPH or prostate cancer; giving the doctor an indication that further investigation is required.
Treatment Options
BPH treatment options include changes to lifestyle and diet, drug therapy, and surgery. Symptomatic improvement is the primary aim when treating BPH patients. As far as prostate cancer goes, treatments involve surgery, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, and watchful waiting in less aggressive forms of the disease.
Prevention and Early Detection Strategies
While you can’t prevent the onset of BPH or prostate cancer, leading a healthy lifestyle lessens the risk of developing BPH or prostate cancer. Get regular exercise, eat a well-balanced diet loaded with fruits and vegetables, and visit your doctor for annual checkups. Early detection effective management and regular screening, coupled with good communication with your doctor.
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