Personalised treatments designed to fight cancer while minimising side effects.
Prostate cancer begins in the prostate gland, a small organ located below the bladder in men that produces seminal fluid. It is one of the most common cancers among men worldwide. Prostate cancer often grows slowly and may not cause symptoms in the early stages, but some types can be aggressive and spread rapidly without timely treatment.
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in Singapore in recent national statistics.
The National Cancer Centre Singapore reports 8,114 prostate cancer cases in males during 2019 to 2023, while GLOBOCAN estimated 2,020 new prostate cancer cases in 2022 alone.
The risk of prostate cancer rises strongly with age, and most cases occur after age 50.
Other important risk factors include family history and ethnicity.
Many prostate cancers grow slowly, but early detection can widen treatment choices and support excellent long-term outcomes.
In its early stages, prostate cancer may not show noticeable symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they can include:
These symptoms can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), but it is important to consult a doctor if they persist.
The exact cause of prostate cancer is not known, but several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing it:
Most prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas, which develop from the glandular cells. Less common types include small cell carcinomas, neuroendocrine tumours, and transitional cell carcinomas.
Prostate cancer is staged based on how far it has spread:
Confined to a small part of the prostate
Still within the prostate but may be larger or involve both lobes
Spread beyond the prostate to nearby tissues such as seminal vesicles
Spread to lymph nodes, bones, or other organs
Treatment depends on the stage, overall health, and patient preferences. Options include:
Advances in treatment allow many men to live long lives after prostate cancer diagnosis.
At OncoCare Singapore, our multidisciplinary team includes oncologists specialising in prostate and urological cancers, urologists with expertise in minimally invasive surgery, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and oncology nurses. Together, they provide a comprehensive and personalised treatment plan for every patient.
