In recent years, prostate cancer has surpassed lung and colorectal cancer to become the most common cancer among men worldwide. In Singapore and across Asia, the number of cases continues to rise steadily, partly due to longer life expectancy and increased awareness leading to more screenings. While this trend may seem alarming, better detection and evolving treatments have also improved survival rates dramatically. Understanding the factors behind this surge — and when to see a urologist in Singapore — can help men take control of their health early.
Table of Contents
What Is Prostate Cancer?
The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped gland located below the bladder, responsible for producing seminal fluid that nourishes sperm. Prostate cancer develops when abnormal cells within this gland grow uncontrollably, forming tumors that may remain localized or spread to nearby tissues and bones if untreated.
Why Cases Are Increasing
1. Aging Population
Age is the strongest risk factor for prostate cancer. Most cases occur in men over 50, and as populations live longer, more diagnoses naturally follow. The risk doubles every decade after 50, which explains the rising incidence in countries with aging demographics like Singapore.
2. Better Screening and Awareness
Advances in Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) testing and routine health screenings mean more cancers are being detected early — sometimes even before symptoms appear. While PSA testing is not perfect, it allows urologists to identify at-risk men and recommend follow-up imaging or biopsies before the disease progresses.
3. Lifestyle and Dietary Factors
Modern diets high in red meat, saturated fats, and processed foods, coupled with sedentary lifestyles, may contribute to prostate cancer risk. Obesity and chronic inflammation have also been linked to more aggressive disease forms. Conversely, diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids are believed to offer protective benefits.
4. Genetic and Family History
Men with a father or brother diagnosed with prostate cancer face double the risk. Certain genetic mutations — including BRCA1 and BRCA2, known for their link to breast cancer — also increase susceptibility in men. Early screening is especially important for individuals with such family backgrounds.
5. Racial and Regional Differences
Studies show that men of African and Caribbean descent tend to develop prostate cancer at a younger age and with more aggressive behavior. In Asia, the rise in cases is attributed mainly to improved healthcare access and Westernized lifestyle habits rather than genetic predisposition alone.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
In its early stages, prostate cancer often causes no symptoms, which is why regular checkups are essential. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Difficulty urinating or weak urine flow
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis
- Erectile dysfunction or discomfort during ejaculation
These symptoms can also indicate non-cancerous conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), so medical evaluation by a urologist in Singapore is vital for accurate diagnosis.
How Prostate Cancer Is Diagnosed
Diagnosis typically begins with a PSA blood test and a digital rectal exam. If results are suspicious, imaging such as MRI or a targeted prostate biopsy confirms the presence and extent of cancer.
Advanced techniques like MRI-fusion biopsy and PSMA PET scans now allow doctors to pinpoint even small lesions with high precision, improving detection rates while reducing unnecessary procedures.
Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer
1. Active Surveillance
For low-risk or slow-growing cancers, doctors may recommend close monitoring rather than immediate treatment. Regular PSA tests and imaging ensure that any changes are caught early without exposing patients to unnecessary side effects.
2. Surgery (Radical Prostatectomy)
When the cancer is localized, removing the prostate gland can be curative. Minimally invasive techniques, including robot-assisted surgery, offer shorter recovery times and better preservation of urinary and sexual function.
3. Radiation Therapy
High-energy beams target and destroy cancer cells. Modern radiation therapies are more precise, minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.
4. Hormone and Targeted Therapy
Since prostate cancer growth depends on male hormones (androgens), hormone therapy suppresses these signals. Newer targeted therapies and immunotherapies are also showing promise in managing advanced or recurrent disease.
5. Chemotherapy
For advanced cases that no longer respond to hormonal treatments, chemotherapy helps control disease spread and relieve symptoms.
Prevention and Early Detection
While not all prostate cancers can be prevented, lifestyle and regular screening make a significant difference:
- Maintain a healthy weight through regular exercise.
- Limit red and processed meats; focus on fish, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Avoid smoking and moderate alcohol consumption.
- Discuss PSA screening with your doctor starting around age 50 — or earlier if you have a family history.
Early detection remains the single most effective strategy for improving outcomes. Men who visit a urologist in Singapore for routine checks often find that any abnormalities are caught before they become life-threatening.
Conclusion
Prostate cancer’s rising prevalence doesn’t have to mean fear — it means awareness. With better screening, improved diagnostic tools, and more effective treatments, men today have an excellent chance of living long, healthy lives even after diagnosis.
The key is vigilance: recognizing risk factors, seeking routine screening, and consulting a trusted urologist in Singapore at the first sign of concern. Prostate cancer is most treatable when detected early — and early action can make all the difference.
