Patient Education

It is alarming to think that someone could have advanced prostate cancer and not even know it. In fact, many men in Singapore who are diagnosed with prostate cancer only realise they have the disease once it has already progressed to an advanced stage. Unfortunately, this leaves them with a less favourable prognosis and can make treatment for prostate cancer more difficult.

If you are concerned about prostate cancer, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms so that you can get screened and treated as soon as possible by a reputable cancer centre in Singapore such as OncoCare. This is why this article looks at what is prostate cancer along with symptoms of it and ways in which it can be treated.

What Is Prostate Cancer?

The prostate is a tiny gland located in the pelvis below the urinary bladder. Regarded to be similar in size and shape to a walnut, it is responsible for producing seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm in the male reproductive system. The third most commonly seen cancer amongst men in Singapore, prostate cancer occurs when prostate gland cells experience uncontrolled growth and become malignant lumps that spread to nearby bodily tissue like the seminal vesicles or the bladder neck.

Prostate Cancer Symptoms

With its high level of prevalence amongst Singaporean men, it is essential for males to take note of the possible signs of prostate cancer to ensure they give themselves every chance of early detection of the condition.

Some symptoms associated with prostate cancer include:

• needing to pee more often
• struggling to pee
• feeling like your bladder isn't empty
• weakness or swelling in the lower limbs

However, these symptoms don't necessarily mean you have prostate cancer and they could be attributed to other causes such as urinary tract infections, urinary stones or even prostate enlargement.

Is It Possible To Be Unaware Of Having Advanced Prostate Cancer?

Most of the time, prostate cancer develops at a slow rate, so there may not be any symptoms for years. This is especially so in the early stages and occasionally even in the advanced stages. However, if it is aggressive and has progressed to advanced or stage 3 or 4 prostate cancer, it can spread quickly to other areas such as the lungs, liver, lymph glands or bones.

Advanced prostate cancer may cause the following problems:

• Difficulty urinating
• Lesser force in the stream of urine
• Blood in the urine
• Blood in the semen
• Experiencing pain in the bones
• Weight loss without making an effort to do so
• Erectile dysfunction

This is why it is vital for men in Singapore who face these signs and symptoms to make an appointment with a trustworthy cancer doctor for a cancer screening or diagnosis.

Detect And Treat Prostate Cancer Early With OncoCare

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with prostate cancer, it is crucial to speak to an experienced cancer doctor in Singapore as soon as possible. Although prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, it can be treated successfully if detected early.

At OncoCare, we offer a comprehensive diagnosis and work-up for all types of cancers, and our team of specialists will provide you with the best possible care. Our integrated facility allows us to screen and treat cancer patients to give you the best possible chance of getting back to your life as soon as possible. We have clinics located throughout the country, so you don’t have to travel far for world-class care. Make an appointment at one of our centrally located clinics now and let us help you detect and treat prostate cancer before it becomes a bigger problem.

“Expert knowledge means better care for cancer”

Written by:

Dr Tay Miah Hiang

MBBS (Singapore)

M.Med (Singapore)

MRCP (United Kingdom)

FAMS (Medical Oncology)