Q: How common is prostate cancer in Spore?

It is the 6th commonest cancer in the Singaporean men.

Q: What causes prostate cancer?

A definitive cause for prostate cancer has not been established, however, there are risk factors.
The risk for prostate cancer increases with age as well as an increasing number of affected relatives. The incidence is high in the Scandinavian but low in the Asian. Smokers and workers exposed to cadmium are also at a higher risk. Other risk factors include a diet high in animal fat but low in fibers, and a previous vasectomy. High circulating levels of testosterone have also been noted in those with prostate cancer.

Q: What are the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer often does not show any symptoms, but locally extensive prostate cancer may produce obstruction of the ureteres by the primary tumour, which may lead to kidney failure. Sometimes the cancer may spread to the bones.

Q: How is prostate cancer diagnosed?

Prostate cancer may be detected through routine rectal examination, blood tests, biopsy, transrectal ultrasonography, & bone scans.

Q: What are the treatments available for prostate cancer?

If prostate cancer is detected in its early stage, usually nothing will be done about it, although sometimes a prostactomy or radical radiotherapy may be recommended.

For advanced and metastatic prostate cancer, hormone therapy is instituted as the disease is hormone sensitive. Cryosurgery, which is a controlled freezing process of the prostate gland, may also be favored as it seems to associate with fewer complications. Occasionally, radiotherapy is used to relieve pain caused by secondary cancers in the bones or to shrink obstructions in the lymphatic or urinary systems.

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