From not knowing about a prostate to chairing a prostate cancer support group

When Sam Ho discovered he had stage 2B prostate cancer in 2017, he didn’t have a clue what he was in for.  

He knew nothing about the illness which has consistently ranked one of the most common cancers among men. “I did not even know what a prostate was,” Sam recounted. Google helped, but many of the details were confusing and complex.  

“My biggest fear was the potential mortality and the side effects of cancer treatment,” he shared. Thankfully, Sam found out that prostate cancer need not be life-threatening especially if it is discovered early. 

While catching up on his learning, there was still treatment to think about. Within a month, he had undergone surgery at the advice of his doctor. With the exception of a wound infection (considered a minor complication) and incontinence that lasted nine months, the treatment was a success.

Seven years after his diagnosis, Sam remains in remission. 

Finding Other Warriors 

When he was first diagnosed, Sam had tried to find former prostate cancer patients through his nurse. He yearned for more information through people who had lived through the disease. 

After treatment, he continued to seek out a community. And so, two months post-surgery, he attended his first meeting of the Walnut Warriors, a Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) support group for those affected by prostate cancer. Despite their condition, the members were remarkably cheery. 

From attending the group’s monthly meetings, Sam swiftly ended up as a veteran, introducing himself to new members and sharing his experiences. He also volunteered as an SCS patient ambassador and last year, stepped up as the Chair of the Walnut Warriors. 

Along the way, his knowledge of the disease has grown exponentially. Prostate cancer, he shared, has increased in incidence becoming the number one cancer among Singapore men. And yet, the mortality rate is low. “Many patients get to recover and even if some cancer cells remain, there are treatment options to keep the condition under control for a good quality of life.” 

With this, Sam urges prostate cancer patients not to worry unduly or isolate themselves. His experiences have taught him that meeting fellow survivors and patients can be a great help. “Our own lived experience can help calm the nerves of those seeking similar treatment… and provide perspectives they may not have thought of.” 

He concluded his sharing with a reassuring message: “No one should walk the cancer journey alone. There is plenty of life to live for, even with cancer!”