There are other non-cancerous conditions of the prostate that will increase the risk of prostate cancer. While these conditions can cause symptoms similar to those of prostate cancer, there is no evidence to suggest that having either of the following conditions will increase a man’s risk for developing prostate cancer. You should be evaluated by a physician if you are experiencing these symptoms.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. Because the Urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body) runs directly through the prostate, enlargement of the prostate in BPH squeezes the urethra, making it difficult and often painful for men to urinate. Most men over the age of 70 will experience an enlargement of the prostate which is treated with drugs.

Prostatitis, an infection in the prostate, is the most common cause of urinary tract infections in men. Most treatment strategies are designed to relieve the symptoms of prostatitis, which include fever, chills, burning during urination, or difficulty urinating. There have been links between inflammation of the prostate and prostate cancer in several studies. This may be a result of being screened for cancer just by having prostate-related symptoms, and currently, this is an area of controversy.