Enlarged Prostate vs. Prostate Cancer: What’s the Difference?

If you're experiencing urinary symptoms like frequent trips to the bathroom or trouble starting your stream, you might wonder: Do I have an enlarged prostate—or something more serious like prostate cancer?

What Is an Enlarged Prostate (BPH)?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that affects many men as they age—especially after age 50.

As the prostate grows, it can press against the urethra, affecting the flow of urine.

Common Symptoms of BPH Include:

Frequent urination (especially at night)
Weak or slow urine stream
Trouble starting or stopping urination
Feeling like the bladder isn’t empty
Urgent or sudden need to urinate
Dribbling after urination

BPH is not cancerous and does not lead to prostate cancer, but it can significantly affect quality of life if left untreated.

What Is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow in the prostate gland, forming a tumor that may spread beyond the prostate if not detected early.

Unlike BPH, prostate cancer can be life-threatening if not treated appropriately.

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer Can Include:

Many of the same urinary symptoms as BPH
Blood in urine or semen
Erectile dysfunction
Pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis
Unexplained weight loss (in advanced stages)