
In 2015, I lost a close friend to an aggressive cancer. It was devastating as he was a very good friend and only two years older than me. It was and still is a painful reminder on how cancer can affect our lives. As a urologist, I face cancer regularly through my patients, and would like to help readers to understand some of the issues doctors and patients face when dealing with prostate and other urological cancers.
Prostate cancer is the third most common cancer in Singapore behind lung and colorectal cancers. The prostate - a small walnutsized organ that only males have - is both a gift and a curse. Its main function is to provide lubrication and fluid for the sperms to swim in during ejaculation but it can present cancer and non-cancer problems, and diagnosis can be a challenge.