Most men are no strangers to the term ‘prostate cancer,’ which the Singapore Cancer Society ranks as the top most common cancer affecting men in Singapore. Often developing without visible symptoms, the disease acts as a silent threat that can lull patients into a false sense of security regarding their health.
Understanding the early signs of prostate cancer is crucial, especially for men aged 50 onwards. Catching these signs early enables prompt detection and treatment, which can ultimately save lives.
Is age a common risk factor contributing to prostate problems like BPH or prostate cancer?
Indeed, old age is one of the most prevalent factors contributing to the development of prostate problems, as prostate conditions are more commonly observed in older men. For instance, the prevalence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) starts to increase after the age of 50 and affects 70 to 80% of men by the age of 90. In a similar vein, prostate cancer is more frequently diagnosed in men over 50, with the risk rising significantly as they age.
This may be due to age-related hormonal changes that increase the risk of prostate conditions. For instance, fluctuations in testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which naturally occur with ageing, play a key role in prostate enlargement, contributing to conditions like BPH. As men continue to age, cells also accumulate years of genetic damage, potentially leading to cancer.
That being said, other risk factors besides ageing also play a paramount role in affecting one’s likelihood of having prostate cancer. A comprehensive evaluation of personal and family history, as well as lifestyle factors, is critical in understanding an individual’s risk profile for prostate conditions.
How do prostate problems impact a man’s overall well-being and quality of life?
There are many ways in which prostate problems worsen a man’s overall quality of life, typically impacting their urinary habits. Different prostate conditions can exhibit the same symptoms, which may include higher urinary frequency (especially at night) or trouble urinating. For men who notice any changes in their urinary habits, do not brush them off, as they could signal a serious prostate disorder. In more severe cases, some men may observe blood in their urine, which could indicate advanced stages of BPH or prostate cancer among other possible causes.
When should men consult a urologist for prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer does not cause any symptoms in its early stages. Symptoms of more advanced prostate cancer may include the following:
- Increased need to urinate at night
- Difficulty starting urination
- Straining during urination
- Reduced urine flow
- Presence of blood in the urine or semen
- Persistent feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
- Bone pain, along with weight loss and reduced appetite, in late stages
Although these symptoms are not specific for prostate cancer, it is advisable to consult a prostate specialist in Singapore if you experience any of these symptoms.
Nonetheless, men aged 50 or older, or those with a family history of prostate cancer, may still choose to have prostate cancer screening despite having no symptoms. This is because, due to the asymptomatic nature of early-stage prostate cancer, feeling perfectly well does not guarantee the absence of the disease.
How is prostate cancer diagnosed?
In order to determine the presence of prostate cancer, urologists may conduct several common diagnostic tests, including Digital Rectal Examination (DRE), Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test, ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
Are treatments for prostate cancer typically short-term or long-term?
In Singapore, treatment for prostate cancer can be short-term or long-term, depending on the type of cancer and required treatment. For localised prostate cancer (cancer that has not spread), patients can typically undergo a radical prostatectomy or radiation therapy, which may last several weeks from the procedure to full recovery. However, in more advanced cases, patients may need to undergo androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) or chemotherapy, which may last for months to years or even life-long depending on the individual’s condition.
This is why early detection and treatment are crucial, as they can potentially lead to an effective cure and a shorter recovery time. Specifically, patients with cancer confined to the prostate may be eligible for a robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).
Numerous patients opt for RARP due to its multiple advantages, including the potential for complete cancer removal, which enhances long-term survival prospects when performed by urologists trained in robotic surgeries. Additionally, the use of robotic instruments, operated by the surgeon through a console, allows for smaller incisions, reduced pain, lower blood loss, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery and better long-term outcomes. It is important to note that patients who undergo RARP are known to retain stronger urinary control post-surgery compared to conventional open surgery.
What can men do to prevent or delay prostate-related conditions as they age?
In order to maintain good prostate health, men can take several proactive steps as they age. This includes maintaining a healthy balanced diet, staying active with regular exercise, avoiding smoking and managing weight. Adopting these lifestyle choices has been suggested to reduce a man’s chance of developing prostate conditions.
Another key step to take is to go for regular check-ups and early screening for prostate health. This is especially true for those at higher risk, meaning those who have a known family history of prostate cancer or those above age 50.
Visit Assure Urology & Robotic Centre
Suffering from prostate cancer can be unsettling, but the key to combating it and increasing the chance of full recovery is through early detection and treatment. If you experience symptoms pointing to prostate cancer or are part of the high-risk group, schedule an appointment with a urologist to discuss potential treatment options. Even without symptoms, opting for regular checkups and screenings is a good way to maintain prostate health.
For expert advice on prostate conditions, visit Assure Urology & Robotic Centre, a clinic conveniently located at Singapore’s Mount Elizabeth Hospital. Assure is led by Dr Terence Lim, Senior Consultant Urologist with a subspecialty in Uro-Oncology (urological cancers). With over 20 years of experience, Dr Lim is also a urology specialist who specialises in complex, minimally invasive treatments such as robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer patients.
Contributed by Dr Terence Lim.
About Dr Terence Lim
Dr Terence Lim, Senior Consultant Urologist and Medical Director at Assure Urology & Robotic Centre (a member of Beyond Medical Group)
Prior to his private practice, Dr Terence Lim spent almost two decades in public healthcare and underwent a fellowship in Robotic Surgeries. He served as the Senior Consultant and Chief of the Department of Urology at Changi General Hospital (CGH). He is currently a Visiting Consultant at CGH. Dr Lim was also the director of CGH’s Advanced Surgical Centre, a committee dealing with complex surgeries, including robotic surgeries. He is also one of the few urologists in Singapore certified as an expert proctor for robotic surgeries by the Robotic Surgery Society of Singapore.
References
- National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). Prostate cancer prevention. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved November 14, 2024, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK571322/
- National Geographic. (2020, March 4). Enlarged prostate and cancer: How ageing affects prostate health. National Geographic. Retrieved November 14, 2024, from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/enlarged-prostate-cancer-aging-health
- Cancer Research UK. (2023, March 29). Age and cancer. Cancer Research UK. Retrieved November 14, 2024, from https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/age-and-cancer#:~:text=The%20older%20we%20get%2C%20the,which%20can%20lead%20to%20cancer
- Prostate Cancer Foundation. (n.d.). Prostate cancer prevention. Prostate Cancer Foundation. Retrieved November 14, 2024, from https://www.pcf.org/patient-resources/family-cancer-risk/prostate-cancer-prevention/
Images: Adobe Stock Images and Assure Urology & Robotic Centre
Trevor Klass
Melissa Fann
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