In a nutshell
This study analyzed the association between benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate and bladder cancer. Researchers concluded that the risk of prostate and bladder cancer is increased in men with BPH.
Some background
BPH can lead to bothersome urinary symptoms that can impact quality of life. BPH has also been associated with certain urologic cancers, such as bladder and prostate cancer. Some studies have suggested that men with BPH are more likely to later develop prostate cancer than men without BPH. A link between BPH and bladder cancer has also been reported. A possible explanation may be related to the urinary tract damage that can occur as a result of BPH. However, evidence is mixed, with some studies reporting no effect of BPH on urologic cancers.
Methods & findings
The aim of this study was to further analyze the association between BPH and certain urologic cancers.
1,615,099 men with BPH from 24 separate trials were included in this study. The results from the trials were pooled into a single analysis. 19 trials evaluated the association between BPH and prostate cancer. 6 trials evaluated the association between BPH and bladder cancer. 1 trial evaluated both.
BPH significantly increased the risk of prostate cancer. Overall, the incidence of prostate cancer was 2.93 times higher for men with BPH compared to men without BPH. This effect was most pronounced for Asian men, who were 6.09 times more likely to develop prostate cancer if BPH was present. The risk was increased by 54% in Caucasion men.
The risk of bladder cancer increased by 71% among men with BPH compared to men without BPH. There was no effect of ethnicity on the risk of bladder cancer.
The bottom line
Researchers concluded that BPH is associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer and bladder cancer.
What’s next?
Consult your physician if you are interested in urologic cancer screening.
Published By :
Medicine
Date :
May 01, 2016
