What prostate size carries the highest cancer risk, and when should you worry?

This article was translated from the original Portuguese. Português

Prostate Cancer Risk: Does Size Matter?

São Paulo, Brazil - Urologist and uro-oncologist Dr. Bruno Benigno discusses the risk factors for prostate cancer and clarifies key questions in an informative video. In a straightforward style, the specialist provides essential information for patients seeking guidance before their medical appointments.

Dr. Bruno Benigno, director of Clínica Uro Onco and a member of the medical staff at Hospital Alemão Oswaldo Cruz, gives an overview of the risks involved in prostate enlargement and answers common questions about prostate biopsy and normal prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in men over 70. He highlights the key risk factors when PSA levels are considered high.

Prostate size is a topic that often raises questions. However, Dr. Bruno Benigno emphasizes that the risk of prostate cancer is not directly linked to the size of the gland. Whether small or large, prostates carry the same risk. The main risk factors are age over 60 and a family history of prostate cancer, and Black men are four times more likely to develop the disease than men of East Asian origin.

The doctor explains that normal prostate size can vary considerably from man to man. On average, a young man’s prostate weighs about 35 grams and grows by approximately 1 gram per year. A 50-year-old man may therefore have a prostate averaging 50 to 55 grams. However, these are population figures and vary individually, just like height.

Accelerated prostate growth may be related to the patient’s genetics or to external factors such as a sedentary lifestyle, diabetes and obesity. These elements can trigger the production of inflammatory growth factors, speeding up prostate growth. Dr. Bruno Benigno stresses the importance of understanding the risk factors for benign prostatic hyperplasia.

A crucial point highlighted by the specialist is that benign prostatic hyperplasia does not turn into cancer. Although cancer can arise in areas of hyperplasia, the condition itself is not a risk factor for developing the disease. Therefore, the supposed correlation between prostate size and a higher risk of cancer is not accurate.

When the prostate is enlarged, complications related to narrowing of the urinary channel may arise, such as a weak urinary stream, difficulty emptying the bladder completely, frequent need to urinate at night and, in more severe cases, urinary incontinence and retention.

Below you can read some excerpts taken directly from the video above, in which Dr. Bruno Benigno explains the information in this content in detail:

“Friends, welcome to our information space. Today we bring you a direct and enlightening discussion on an important topic: prostate cancer and the risks associated with enlargement of this gland. In this video, in addition to addressing the relationship between prostate size and cancer risk, we will also discuss when a prostate biopsy is necessary and what the normal PSA value is for men aged 70 or older. We will also cover the risk factors for prostate cancer when PSA is considered high. Our goal is to answer some common everyday questions from medical practice, giving you a deeper understanding of your clinical condition and guidance on the questions to raise during your appointment with your doctor.

For those who don’t know me, I am Dr. Bruno Benigno, a urologist and uro-oncologist practicing in São Paulo. In addition to being director of Clínica Uro Onco, I am also a member of the medical staff at Hospital Alemão Oswaldo Cruz. For more information about our work, I invite you to visit our website at www.clinicauroonco.com.br. Don’t forget to subscribe to the channel and turn on notifications to stay up to date with our content.

Now let’s address the central question: from what prostate size is the risk of developing cancer considered dangerous? Questions about prostate cancer in men with small or large prostates are common. However, it is important to clarify that prostate size is not a determining factor in increasing or decreasing the risk of prostate cancer. The main risk factors are age over 60 and having a father or brother with a history of the disease. In addition, Black men are four times more likely to develop prostate cancer than men of East Asian origin. Although the reasons for this racial disparity are not yet fully understood, these are the main risk factors associated with prostate cancer, regardless of the size of the gland.

Now let’s look at the normal prostate size in a 50-year-old man. On average, the prostate of a young man up to 30 years old weighs about 35 grams. Over the years, the prostate tends to grow by approximately 1 gram per year, or about 0.8 grams per year. A man of around 50 may therefore have, on average, a prostate of between 50 and 55 grams. However, it is important to stress that these values are population averages, just as height varies between individuals. Likewise, prostate growth may be faster in some men due to genetic factors, a sedentary lifestyle or other factors. It is therefore essential to understand that prostate size varies from person to person and is not a direct indicator of the risk of developing prostate cancer.

Regarding the need for a prostate biopsy, it is important to remember that prostate cancer is diagnosed through routine tests such as the digital rectal exam and blood PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) measurement. If these test results raise suspicion of prostate cancer, a prostate biopsy may be indicated to confirm the diagnosis. The biopsy involves collecting small fragments of the prostate, which are analyzed in a laboratory to identify the presence of cancer cells.

As for the normal PSA value for men aged 70 or older, it is important to understand that the PSA level considered normal may vary with age and other individual factors. In general, a PSA value below 4 ng/mL is considered normal. However, in older men, especially over 70, PSA levels are often naturally elevated due to benign growth of the prostate, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Therefore, in some cases, reference values may need to be adjusted for older men. It is important to discuss these issues with your doctor to obtain an individualized assessment.

When PSA is considered high, several risk factors must be taken into account to assess the risk of prostate cancer. In addition to the absolute PSA value, it is important to consider how fast PSA rises over time, the presence of urinary symptoms, a family history of prostate cancer and other relevant clinical factors. If cancer is suspected, the doctor may order additional tests, such as prostate MRI or a biopsy, for a more detailed assessment.

It is essential to stress that prevention and early diagnosis are key in the fight against prostate cancer. Men aged 50 or older should have regular check-ups, such as the digital rectal exam and PSA testing, as advised by their doctor. In addition, adopting a healthy lifestyle, with a balanced diet, regular physical activity and avoiding smoking, can help reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer.

I hope this information has been useful and enlightening. Always remember to see a specialist for guidance appropriate to your specific case. Health is a precious asset and deserves our attention and care. Thank you for following us, and see you next time!”

🔸Don’t leave for tomorrow the care you need every day! ☎(11) 2769-3929 📱(11) 99590-1506 Contact us directly on WhatsApp: 📲 https://bit.ly/2HCRkgt 💻 https://www.clinicauroonco.com.br/ Book online: http://bit.ly/2WMMiCI Rua Borges Lagoa 1070, Cj 52 Vila Mariana - São Paulo - SP Dr. Bruno Benigno CRM SP 126265 | RQE 60022 Urologist at Hospital Alemão Oswaldo Cruz SP Director of Clínica Uro Onco Specialist in Uro-oncology and Robotic Surgery Instagram: @dr_benigno #urologia #saúde #urooncologia #vidasaudável #uro #urologia #medicina #drbrunobenigno #uroonco #onco #oncologia #PSA #cancerdeprostata #prostata #cirurgiarobotica #novembroazul

Dr. Bruno Benigno
Urologist and uro-oncologic surgeon (CRM-SP 126.265 · RQE 60022). More than 1,500 robotic surgeries. Member of the AUA, EAU and SBU. Meet Dr. Bruno · In the Media

This content is educational and does not replace a medical consultation. Each case must be assessed individually, based on AUA, EAU and NCCN guidelines.