Prostate Cancer

What is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer develops when cells in the prostate gland grow abnormally and become cancerous. The prostate is part of the male reproductive system and is located just below the bladder, in front of the rectum.

Prostate cancer is relatively common, particularly among men aged 50 and above, although younger men can also be affected. Many cases are diagnosed at an early stage, when the cancer is still confined to the prostate gland. However, some more aggressive forms may only be detected at a later stage, after the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Signs and Symptoms

Prostate cancer often causes no noticeable symptoms in its early stages. As many prostate cancers grow slowly, some men may live to an advanced age without knowing they have the disease. Prostate cancer is often detected during routine health check-ups or through blood tests. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

  • Difficulty passing urine
  • Needing to urinate more frequently, particularly at night (Nocturia)
  • A weak or interrupted urine stream
  • Pain or a burning sensation during urination
  • Blood in the urine (Haematuria)
  • Blood in the semen
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Pain in the back (spine), hips, chest (ribs), pelvis or other bones
  • Weakness or numbness in the legs, or difficulty walking
  • Difficulty controlling the bladder or bowels

While these symptoms should not be overlooked, they do not necessarily mean you have prostate cancer. Other conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), urinary tract infections (UTIs) and kidney stones, can cause similar symptoms.

If you notice any unusual or concerning symptoms or changes, do consult your doctor for a proper assessment.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact causes of prostate cancer are not fully understood, but several factors are associated with an increased risk of developing the disease, including age, family history, ethnicity and diet. In Singapore, Chinese men have approximately twice the risk of developing prostate cancer compared with Malay or Indian men.

Known risk factors include:

Age: This is the most significant known risk factor for prostate cancer, with the likelihood of developing the disease increasing as men grow older, especially after age 50.

Ethnicity: In Singapore, Chinese men have approximately twice the risk of developing prostate cancer compared with Malay or Indian men.

Family history: Men with a father or brother who has had prostate cancer have a higher risk of developing the disease. The risk is higher when a brother is affected compared with a father. Having several close family members with prostate cancer, particularly when they were diagnosed at a younger age, further increases the risk.

Diet: A diet high in fat, particularly fat from red meat and other animal-based sources such as dairy products, may be associated with a higher risk of prostate cancer.

Cancer Prevention

There are currently no proven strategies for preventing prostate cancer. However, adopting a healthy lifestyle may help reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer. This includes:

Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains while limiting fat

Avoiding smoking or quitting if you currently smoke

Limiting alcohol consumption

Maintaining a healthy weight and staying physically active

Knowledge Is The First Step Towards Prevention

Knowing what you can do to look after your health matters too. Explore our sponsored cancer screenings and take the next step towards early detection.

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