Know the difference
Enlarged Prostate vs Prostate Cancer: Key Differences
An enlarged prostate vs prostate cancer comes down to this: BPH is a noncancerous growth, while prostate cancer is a malignant one. BPH does not raise the risk of cancer, but the two can cause the same urinary symptoms and can exist together. Only a doctor's tests can tell them apart.
Written by the Protoflow label deskUpdated · 4 min read
What is the difference between an enlarged prostate and prostate cancer?
An enlarged prostate, called BPH, is a noncancerous growth of the gland. Prostate cancer is a malignant growth that can spread. They are different conditions.
BPH does not cause prostate cancer and does not raise your risk of it (MedlinePlus, Enlarged Prostate). A man can still have both at once, which is one reason symptoms deserve a proper check.
| Point | Enlarged prostate (BPH) | Prostate cancer |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Noncancerous growth | Malignant growth |
| Early signs | Weak stream, urgency, night trips | Often none |
| Raises cancer risk? | No | Not applicable |
| How it is found | History, urine test, exam, PSA | PSA, exam, imaging, biopsy |
Can an enlarged prostate be mistaken for cancer?
Yes, the early signs can look alike. A weak stream, trouble starting and frequent night trips can come from BPH, infection, prostatitis or prostate cancer (NIDDK, Prostate Enlargement (BPH)).
Early prostate cancer often causes no symptoms at all. So a lack of symptoms does not rule it out, and having symptoms does not mean you have it. The NHS says symptoms should be checked because they can signal other conditions, including cancer (NHS, Enlarged Prostate).
For a plain-language overview of the gland, read our prostate basics page.
- BPH is common: about 29% to 33% of men 65 and older have it (NIDDK, Prostate Enlargement (BPH))
- Symptom size does not match gland size
- Only tests separate the two causes
How do doctors tell BPH from prostate cancer?
Doctors use a mix of questions, an exam and tests. A PSA blood test is one common step, but it cannot decide the answer alone.
BPH and prostatitis can raise PSA, so a high number does not mean cancer. Only about 25% of men biopsied for a raised PSA are found to have cancer (NCI, PSA Test Fact Sheet). Some prostate medicines lower PSA, so tell the doctor what you take.
History and exam
The doctor asks about symptoms and checks the prostate by touch.
Urine and blood tests
These look for infection and measure PSA.
Further tests if needed
Imaging or a biopsy may follow when results are unclear.
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See packsDoes a prostate supplement change either condition?
No supplement has been shown to treat BPH or to prevent prostate cancer. Saw palmetto made little or no difference to urinary symptoms in a 2023 Cochrane review of 27 trials (Cochrane review, Franco 2023).
Protoflow is a dietary supplement with 14 labeled actives, including saw palmetto at 84.5 mg per two capsules. It has not been tested in a trial. It cannot tell you which condition you have, so do not use it in place of a checkup. Keep taking prescribed medicine, and ask your doctor or pharmacist before adding any capsule.
Urinary red flags need care right away: you cannot pee, you see blood in your urine, you have fever with painful peeing, or you have severe lower belly pain. Read how we treat claims on the disclaimer page.
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FAQ
Prostate comparison questions
01Does having BPH mean I will get prostate cancer later?
No. BPH does not raise your chance of prostate cancer. Both are common with age, though, so a man with BPH can still develop cancer separately. Keep up with checkups your doctor suggests, and report any new symptom.
02Can prostate cancer cause a weak stream like BPH does?
Yes, it can, especially when a tumor presses on the urethra. Early prostate cancer often causes no symptoms, so a weak stream is more often BPH. Because the signs overlap, a doctor should find the cause.
03Can a man have both an enlarged prostate and prostate cancer?
Yes. The two conditions are separate, and both are more common with age. Having one does not rule out the other, which is why a high PSA or a change in symptoms should be followed up with tests.
Who wrote this
Written and reviewed by
Pages built from the Protoflow label, the sales page and linked NIH, FDA, FTC, NHS and peer-reviewed sources.
Last updated . Learn about our editorial standards and how we check reviews. This website is run by Goprotoflow, a licensed U.S. retail desk for Protoflow, not by the manufacturer or by PhytoThrive Labs. We earn money when you buy through our order links.
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