Prostatitis & Prostate Cancer
According to the largest Prostate Cancer charity, Prostate Cancer UK, there is some research that suggests that men suffering an inflamed prostate might be more likely to develop prostate cancer.
But some men with Prostatitis or Chronic Pelvic Pain syndrome are asymptomatic and do not have a swollen or inflamed prostate. More research is needed in order to establish whether a stronger link exists.
Early symptoms of Prostate Cancer are very similar to Prostatitis and include an increased need to pass water, straining when you do so, and a feeling that your bladder is never empty. Your GP will normally be your first port of call and as part of their process they will be keen to eliminate you from having Prostate Cancer.
There are a number of different tests for Prostate cancer including blood tests, an examination of your prostate known as a digital rectal examination (DRE), an MR Scan or a biopsy. The blood test is known as a PSA and any man over the age of 50 can request one of these from their GP. If your PSA level is high the GP may request an MRI scan.
Prostate Cancer is a slow growing condition and many men with it succumb to something else before the cancer becomes a problem. It predominantly affects older men, but in most instances it is not life threatening and remains within the prostate glands.
Research shows that for men over 50 with a life expectancy of 75, only 10% will develop clinically significant prostate cancer and only 3% will die from it.