Prostate Cancer Treatment Singapore

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Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer affecting men in Singapore, usually occurring in those aged 50 and above. In the five years between 2017 and 2021, almost 7,000 cases of prostate cancer were diagnosed in Singapore. It is usually slow-growing and often does not cause symptoms in the early stages.

Dr Michael Wong, Medical Director & Senior Consultant Urologist

FAMS (Urology), FICS (USA), FRCS (Edinburgh), M Med (Surgery), MBBS (Singapore)

What Is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the prostate, a small gland in men that produces seminal fluid. The prostate is located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. This disease typically grows slowly and may initially be confined to the prostate gland, where it might not cause serious harm nor any symptoms. However, some types are more aggressive and can spread quickly.

Who Is at Risk of Prostate Cancer?

Understanding the risk factors for prostate cancer is crucial for early detection and prevention. Below are some key factors that can increase a man's likelihood of developing this disease:

Man experiencing pain in his private area after urination, a symptom of prostate cancer

Age

Risk goes up significantly after 50, and is most common in men over 65.

Family History

Having a close relative with prostate cancer doubles your risk.

Genetic Mutations

BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations may increase the risk of prostate cancer.

Ethnic Background

In Singapore, Chinese men are much more likely to develop prostate cancer than other ethnicities.

Dietary Factors

A diet high in red meat and high-fat dairy might increase the risk.

Lifestyle

Sedentary lifestyles and obesity have been associated with a higher risk of developing prostate cancer.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer symptoms can vary depending on the stage of the disease. Generally, early-stage prostate cancer does not cause noticeable symptoms, but as it progresses, various signs and symptoms can develop:

Frequent urination, especially at night

Weak urinary stream

Blood in urine or semen

Pain and discomfort in the lower back or hip area

Burning or pain during urination

Erectile dysfunction

Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite

Difficulty controlling the bladder or bowels

Even though there is generally no routine prostate cancer screening test, men with symptoms or a family history of the disease should still get seen by a doctor.

Early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes for prostate cancer. Connect with our urologist, Dr Michael Wong, for a comprehensive diagnosis today.

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How Is Prostate Cancer Diagnosed?

Diagnosing prostate cancer involves a combination of medical history, physical examinations, and various tests, including the following:

Man Was Diagnosed With A Tumor In His Prostate

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test

This blood test measures the level of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate gland. Elevated PSA levels can indicate prostate cancer, though they can also be caused by other conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatitis.

Digital Rectal Examination (DRE)

During a DRE, a doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the prostate for any irregularities or lumps. This exam can help detect abnormalities that may not elevate PSA levels.

Imaging Tests

Imaging tests such as ultrasound, MRI, or CT scans may be used to visualise the prostate and surrounding tissues. These tests help determine the extent of the cancer and whether it has spread beyond the prostate.

Prostate Biopsy

A biopsy is typically recommended if PSA levels are high or a DRE reveals abnormalities. This involves removing small prostate tissue samples with a needle, which are then examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer cells.

What Are the Stages of Prostate Cancer?

Understanding the prostate cancer stages is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment plan and predicting outcomes. The stages range from I to IV, indicating the progression and spread of the disease.

Stage I

At this initial stage, the cancer is slow-growing and confined to one side of the prostate.

Stage II

In this stage, the cancer grows within one or both sides of the prostate but remains confined within the gland.

Stage III

The cancer has extended beyond the prostate into nearby tissues or seminal vesicles but has not spread to distant parts of the body.

Stage IV

The cancer has metastasised, spreading to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body, such as the bones, liver, or lungs.

What Are the Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer treatment options vary based on the stage and aggressiveness of the cancer, as well as the patient's age, overall health, and medical history. Here are the primary treatment options for prostate cancer:

Active Surveillance

This involves monitoring the cancer without immediate treatment. Active surveillance may be recommended for certain low-risk, slow-growing prostate cancers via regular PSA tests, DREs, and biopsies.

Radical Prostatectomy

This refers to the surgical removal of the prostate gland and surrounding tissues, typically used to treat localised prostate cancer.

Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy

This is a type of minimally invasive surgery using robotic assistance for prostate removal, offering enhanced precision.

Robotic Nerve-Sparing Radical Prostatectomy

This minimally invasive approach safely removes the prostate gland while preserving the nerve structures crucial for maintaining penile erections.

Radiotherapy Treatment

This uses high-energy radiation to destroy prostate cancer cells. Radiation can be delivered externally from a machine outside the body, or internally.

Hormonal Therapy

This treatment aims to reduce male hormones and control cancer growth. Hormonal therapy in this case is also known as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).

Chemotherapy

This uses anti-cancer drugs to kill rapidly growing cells. Chemotherapy is reserved for advanced or metastatic prostate cancer unresponsive to other treatments.

If you or a loved one are concerned about prostate cancer or wish to discuss preventative measures, do not hesitate to consult with our specialist.

Consult with our urologist today to receive personalised prostate cancer screening in Singapore and make informed decisions about your health.

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FAQs About Prostate Cancer

Is prostate cancer curable?

Prostate cancer is often curable when detected early. Localised prostate cancer generally has a high success rate with treatments like surgery or radiotherapy.

Can I check myself for prostate cancer at home?

Self-checks for prostate cancer are not reliable. Consult with a urologist for a proper evaluation.

How often should I get a prostate exam?

Men should discuss the timing of prostate exams with their doctor, generally starting at age 50 for those at average risk. Men with higher risk factors, such as family history, may need to begin screenings earlier and more often, depending on their doctor’s recommendation.

Will prostate cancer treatment cause side effects?

This will depend on the type of prostate cancer treatment, whether it is surgery, hormone therapy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and so on. Generally speaking, there will be some side effects, ranging from urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction to nausea, diarrhoea and fatigue. Your doctor will work closely with you to manage these side effects as far as possible.

Our Prostate Cancer Specialist

Dr Michael Wong

Medical Director & Senior Consultant Urologist

FAMS (Urology), FICS (USA), FRCS (Edinburgh),

M Med (Surgery), MBBS (S’pore)

Dr Michael Wong is the medical director and senior consultant urologist at the International Urology, Fertility and Gynaecology Centre, Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre. He has completed specialised training in urology, fertility and minimally invasive surgery at established centres in the USA. His background in minimally invasive and endourological techniques supports the management of prostate cancer through surgical and non-surgical treatment approaches tailored to the patient’s condition and stage of disease.

Dr Wong is the only urologist from ASEAN elected to the Board of Directors of the Endourological Society and World Congress of Endourology, recognising his global leadership in endourology. He is also the only Asian urologist appointed Co-Chairman of the WHO's International Consultation on Stone Diseases, where he helps set worldwide guidelines for kidney stone management.

Let us help you

Restore your urological health.

Make an appointment with Dr Michael Wong to receive a tailored, supportive and targeted care plan.

Office
Location

3 Mount Elizabeth Road, #10-09,
Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre,
Singapore 228510

Contact
Number

Tel	: (65) 6838 1212
Tel	: (65) 6838 1218
Fax	: (65) 6838 1216
24-hour answering service	: (65) 6535 8833

Email
Address

email@drmichaelwong.com

nurse@drmichaelwong.com

contact@drjulianah.com

nurse@drjulianah.com

Opening
Hours

Mon-Fri	: 9:00am - 1:00pm 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Sat	: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Sun/PH	: Closed

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Prostate Cancer Treatment in Singapore