The symptoms of an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), can be disruptive and raise concerns about the risk of cancer. A new meta-analysis and review reveals that the presence of BPH does indeed increase the risk of prostate and bladder cancer. The study evaluated data from 16 case-control studies and 10 cohort studies, providing helpful information for both clinicians and men concerned about these cancer risks.
Understanding BPH and Cancer Risk
Case-control studies examine pre-existing data to identify risk factors for specific conditions but can be limited by the absence of certain information. Cohort studies, however, are planned in advance and executed over time, making them more useful for investigating the causes of diseases and links between risk factors and outcomes.
Overall, the researchers found that men with BPH were nearly three times more likely to develop prostate cancer and had a 1.7 times higher risk of developing bladder cancer. They made additional observations, including:
- Men with BPH had a four times higher incidence of prostate cancer based on case-control study data and a 1.4 times higher incidence based on cohort study data.
- Men with BPH had a five times higher risk of bladder cancer according to case-control data and a 1.6 times higher risk based on cohort study data.
- Asian men with BPH had six times the risk of developing prostate cancer when compared to white men with BPH, who had 1.5 times the risk.
- Inflammation, metabolic syndrome, and hormones appear to be involved in the development of BPH and prostate cancer.
- Residual urine may harm the lower urinary tract and increase a man’s exposure to excreted carcinogens.
Taking Control with Prostate Health
Fortunately, maintaining a healthy prostate is possible by prioritizing a healthy lifestyle and beneficial habits. Here are some tips to help support and maintain a healthy prostate:
- Eat a natural, whole-food diet, ideally consisting of organic foods. Poor food choices are associated with up to 90% of prostate, colon, pancreas, and breast cancers.
- Opt for plant protein over animal protein, as diets high in red meat, dairy products, and animal fat have been implicated in the development of prostate cancer.
- Consume omega-3 fatty acids, as they may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
- Avoid exposure to xenoestrogens found in personal care products, plastics and plastic containers, pesticides, and other common household items.
- Stick to healthy habits like not smoking, limiting or avoiding alcohol, practicing safe and frequent sex, drinking plenty of water and green tea, and getting 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
- Maintain a healthy weight, as studies have shown a link between being overweight and a higher risk of prostate cancer.
- Manage stress daily to help protect your immune system and keep hormones in balance.
- Balance estrogen and testosterone levels, as excess estrogen can promote BPH and prostate cancer.
- Participate in regular aerobic and strength exercises to decrease inflammation, BPH, and prostatitis, and help slow the spread of aggressive prostate cancer.
- Avoid foods and additives that can harm the prostate, such as meat, high sugar foods, soy, excess calcium, and chondroitin.
- Consider taking natural supplements with prostate-supportive ingredients, like omega-3 fish oil, beta sitosterol, cranberry, curcumin, DIM, green tea extract, pollen, Pygeum africanum, quercetin, saw palmetto, stinging nettle root, vitamin D, and zinc.
