Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men in the United States. While one in nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime, if you are experiencing symptoms, it doesn’t necessarily mean it is cancer. Many symptoms of prostate cancer are the same for other prostate conditions, such as an enlarged prostate, otherwise known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
BPH is not cancer but can have similar symptoms, including urgency and frequency of having to go to the bathroom, a weak stream when urinating, incontinence, or pain and burning while urinating.
“As men get older, it’s not uncommon to experience changes to the prostate,” said Dr. Robert Dimitriou, a urologist at Lansing Institute of Urology who performs urological surgery services at McLaren Greater Lansing. “But if you are having a significant change to your urinary symptoms, you should seek medical advice immediately to figure out whether it is BPH-related or another condition, such as cancer, that is causing your discomfort.”
Depending on the severity of the symptoms, BPH may or may not need treatment. BPH can lead to a weak bladder and cause a backflow of urine, developing more serious health issues such as recurring urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and kidney infections. Cancer, however, should be detected and treated as early as possible for the best outcomes.
“While BPH is not an indicator and does not increase the risk of prostate cancer, routine treatment of BPH has allowed us to detect prostate cancer earlier in some men leading to faster and more effective treatment options,” said Dr. Dimitriou.
Knowing your risks is the first step in prevention. This includes knowing your family history. Men who have family members who have been diagnosed with BPH or prostate cancer are more at risk of developing prostate problems, as well as African American and Hispanic men.
“Men should begin getting prostate screenings around the age of 50, but if you are at high risk, we may recommend starting at the age of 40,” said Dr. Dimitriou.
A high PSA can be found in men with BPH, but it could also mean that cancer is present,” said Dr. Dimitriou.
If the PSA comes back high, a prostate biopsy or MRI may be recommended to help determine if the patient has cancer.
“Most men with prostate cancer have no symptoms, and the only reason cancer was found is because of the abnormal PSA level, so ensuring you continue routine screenings and visiting your primary care provider is crucial to lowering your risks and having early detection,” said Dr. Dimitriou.
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