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The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system. It is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. Prostate cancer is a disease which develops from the tissue of the prostate. Prostate cancer is confined to the prostate gland and slow-growing in most cases. It usually take a number of years to become large enough got it to be detected and takes even longer for it to spread beyond the prostate. However, there are some aggressive forms of prostate cancer that can spread quickly. 

According to the Singapore Cancer Registry Annual Report in 2021, between 2017-2021, there were 6912 cases of prostate cancer diagnosed and it is the most common cancer for men in Singapore. 

There are usually no symptoms in the early stages of prostate cancer. Most men discover that they have prostate cancer during routine medical check-ups. 

Symptoms, which typically occur in more advanced prostate cancer may include:

• Difficulty in urinating 
• Increased urinary frequency, especially at night 
• Weak, interrupted urinary stream 
• Burning or pain during urination 
• Blood in urine 
• Blood in semen 
• Weight loss 
• Loss of appetite
• Pain in the back (spine), hips, chest (ribs), pelvis or other bony areas
• Weakness or numbness in the legs and difficulty in walking 
• Difficulty in controlling bladder or bowels

The symptoms above can be caused by a number of reasons and may not necessary indicate the presence of prostate cancer. However, please make an appointment to see a doctor if you experience any unusual signs or symptoms that worry you.

The exact causes of prostate cancer are still unknown and are being studied through research. Some of the risk factors that are known to increase the risk of developing prostate cancer are:

• Age – Men above 50 are at risk, and the risk increases with age
• Ethnicity – In Singapore, Chinese men have a higher risk of getting prostate cancer
• Family history – Men with a father or brother with prostate cancer are more likely to get the disease
• Diet – Men who consume large amounts of fat, particularly from red meat and other sources of animal fat (including dairy products), appear to have a slightly higher chance of getting prostate cancer

At present, there is a lack of evidence to support population-based screening for prostate cancer in Singapore. Please seek medical attention if you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms.

Currently, there are no proven preventive strategies. In general, adopting a healthy lifestyle can help to reduce the risk of prostate cancer:

• Eating a diet rich in fruit, vegetables and whole grains, while limiting the consumption of fat 
• Quitting or not start smoking 
• Limiting alcohol consumption 
• Regular exercise