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Prostate Cancer

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What Is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is a disease which develops when the cells in the prostate gland begin to grow and divide uncontrollably, leading to the formation of a tumour. While most cases of prostate cancer progress slowly and remain confined to the prostate, they may spread to other parts of the body.

Prostate cancer is the third most common type of cancer in Singaporean men and usually occurs in men over 50 years old.

Do I Have Prostate Cancer?

As prostate cancer is a prevalent condition that affects many individuals, it is essential to be well-informed about the risk factors and symptoms associated with prostate cancer to promote early detection and timely intervention.

What Are the Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer?

While the precise reason for prostate cells turning cancerous is not understood, several factors may put you at a higher risk of prostate cancer.

  • Family history

    - Individuals with a first-degree relative (brother or father) are at higher risk than others, with an even greater risk if more than one relative is affected.

  • Age

    - The risk of prostate cancer increases with age, especially after the age of 50, and most commonly so for those aged 60-70.

  • Genetics

    - Prostate cancer tends to be more common in Africans and rarer in Asians.

  • Diet

    - Studies suggest a link between having a diet high in saturated fat, well-done meats, and calcium and an increased risk of prostate cancer.

What Are the Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?

During its early stages, prostate cancer often develops without noticeable symptoms. Since many prostate cancers progress slowly, many men do not know about it and it is usually detected incidentally during a routine screening. However, when symptoms do occur, you should keep a lookout for these symptoms below and seek medical attention from a urologist immediately:

  • A frequent need to urinate at night
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Blood in the semen or urine
  • Stiffness or pain in the thighs, lower back and hips
  • Erectile dysfunction
As the early stages of prostate cancer are often asymptomatic, regular screenings are crucial to improve your chances of successful treatment, especially once you reach your 50s.

How is Prostate Cancer Diagnosed?

Various tests can be used to diagnose prostate cancer, including:

A digital rectal examination is a quick and simple test where your urologist inserts a lubricated gloved finger into the rectum and gently feels for abnormal growths. The DRE is often conducted as part of a routine physical examination. Although it may cause some discomfort, it should not be painful.

Having published the first local study on the PHI in Singapore, Dr Lincoln Tan is especially knowledgeable on the PHI test and its efficacy in safely checking for prostate cancer.

What is a Prostate Biopsy?

A prostate biopsy is a procedure to remove and analyse tissue samples from the prostate gland, providing a definitive confirmation of the presence or absence of prostate cancer. This can be accomplished by inserting a needle either through the rectal wall (transrectal) or the skin between the anus and scrotum (transperineal). Due to the potential for serious infections from transrectal prostate biopsies, it is advised that where available, transperineal prostate biopsies are done when necessary.

Transperineal prostate biopsy is a newer method of obtaining tissue samples by passing a needle through the area of skin between the anus and scrotum (perineum). This method is considered to be an improvement over transrectal biopsy, particularly because of the following:

  • Safer & Sterile - Minimal risk of infection as the needle avoids contact with faecal content
  • Better Access - Easier sampling from hard-to-reach areas of the prostate
  • No Antibiotics - This avoids the possibility of bacteria building up antibiotic resistance
  • More Comfortable - No needle punctures of the sensitive rectum, avoiding rectal bleeding
  • Smoother Process - Hospitalisation and general anaesthesia are not required
  • More Precise - Real-time ultrasound and MRI scans accurately guide your urologist
While urinary symptoms of BPH tend to be more common with age, they should not be accepted as a normal part of life.

Consult a urologist for relief of these discomforts.

What Are My Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer?

There are many ways to treat prostate cancer, and the best treatment for you will depend on several, including the stage and grade of your cancer, your age, overall health, and personal preferences.

If the cancer has been detected early and is not growing quickly or spreading, your urologist may recommend close monitoring. This involves regular PSA measurements and, if necessary, repeat MRIs and prostate biopsies to monitor the cancer’s progression. This prevents overtreatment of slow growing cancers and exposure of patients to unnecessary treatment related side effects, without compromising cancer cure should tests show that the cancer has progressed and needs more aggressive treatment.

As an accredited robotic surgeon with a particular interest in laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery, Dr Lincoln is well-equipped to provide his patients with comfort and positive outcomes in prostate cancer treatment.

Radiation therapy, or radiotherapy, is a common recommendation for men with high-risk prostate cancer. Its purpose is to destroy cancer cells while minimising any negative impact on the surrounding areas. It can also be used to ease symptoms of the cancer spread, such as bone pain relief, by being directed at areas of cancer outside the prostate.

There are two primary types of radiotherapy for prostate cancer: external beam radiotherapy, which is administered from outside the body, and brachytherapy, which involves inserting radioactive seeds or needles into the prostate.

When determining what one's prostate cancer treatment will entail, it is valuable to seek multiple consultations and second opinions from specialists. These steps will help you thoroughly explore your options and make an informed decision.

Your Prostate Health is Our Priority

Location

6 Napier Road #05-03,
Gleneagles Medical Centre,
258499, Singapore

Contact Us

Phone    :
+65
6732 6503
Email    : info@tanurology.com.sg