What should you know about enlarged prostate cancer?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. As the gland grows around the urine channel, it can contribute to a weak stream, hesitancy, dribbling, frequent urination, urgency or leakage. Prostate cancer is a separate condition, and urinary symptoms alone cannot distinguish it from benign enlargement, infection or other bladder problems. A symptom such as difficulty passing urine is a presentation that needs evaluation; it does not show that cancer is present.

Book a GP Consultation for ongoing, troublesome or changing urinary symptoms. Record how often you pass urine, whether you wake at night, and whether the stream starts and stops. Your clinician may examine you, review medicines and discuss tests. A Urine Test can look for signs of infection or blood and may help separate urinary causes. Do not stop prescribed medicines or restrict fluids sharply without advice.

Get urgent help if you cannot pass urine, develop severe lower-abdominal pain, or feel very unwell with urinary symptoms. Seek prompt review for visible blood in the urine, fever, burning, new loss of bladder control or rapidly worsening symptoms. These warning signs require timely assessment but do not identify one cause on their own.

Ask whether your pattern fits benign enlargement, infection or another problem; which examination and tests are appropriate; and whether any medicine may be worsening symptoms. Ask what result or change should bring you back sooner.