According to a survey conducted by the Straits Times, “a third of Singaporean wives do not know about prostate cancer and as many as half were unaware that it is among the top five cancers affecting males here.”
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among Singaporean men but it often goes unnoticed as it rarely exhibits any symptoms.
Let’s learn about prostate health here.
What is Prostate Cancer
The prostate gland is about the size of a walnut and is located just under the bladder. It makes semen and grows under the influence of testosterone, which is a hormone important for male sexual development.
Prostate cancer happens when cells in the prostate gland start to grow out of control and turn into cancer. This can lead to the formation of a tumour and can spread to nearby areas like the seminal vesicles and the part of the bladder close to the prostate.
Usually in the early stages, the cancer is not dangerous and cannot even be detected apart from an abnormal Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test. However, in an advanced state, it is highly malignant and can even spread to the bones.
According to Dr Manuel C. See IV, a urologist who treats issues affecting the genital and urinary tract, “Prostate cancer has no known etiology or causes. It may be genetic, especially if it’s diagnosed in men younger than 40 years old.”
Is Your Man at Risk
We must realise that there are men out there who are more likely at risk of suffering from prostate cancer because of:
- Age. The risk of prostate cancer increases significantly with age. Men over the age of 50 should start going for health screenings. Find out more from your general practitioner about specific tests to take.
- Family medical history. If your father or brother has it, chances are, you are highly likely to be in the same boat.
- Race. It is more common in African-American men to suffer from the disease than Caucasians and Asians.
- Diet. Countries with dietary staples of meat and dairy products have a higher percentage of men who are at risk of developing prostate cancer.
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
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Although most patients do not show any symptoms, it is worth getting a health screening if you are experiencing any of these signs:
- Burning sensation or simply pain while urinating
- Decreased pressure in the stream of urine
- Blood in your urine or semen
- Having difficulty urinating
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Constant pain in the lower back and pelvis
- Problem maintaining an erection
In Singapore, when men get prostate cancer, one out of every four already has a severe case when they find out. But if they get checked early through screening, we can cut that number in half.
According to Dr Manuel, one way to have early detection is by checking the PSA levels in your blood.
“We have a blood exam to screen for prostate cancer. It is called Prostate Specific Antigen, or PSA. Men 50 years old and above should have this done annually.
If you’re at a higher risk for prostate cancer, such as having a relative with prostate cancer, you can start going for a PSA as early as 45 years of age,” says Dr. Manuel.
Image Source: iStock
Breaching the Topic of Prostate Cancer
According to reports, men are shying away from medical advice and checkups due to “complacency and embarrassment.” If your husband is not at risk, perhaps you can look out for your father. Older folk are often reluctant to go for regular checkups. Help the men in your life open up about discussing the disease by:
- Giving affection. A simple meal or a date (father-daughter outing) will get him to relax and be more open to conversation. During this time, you can bring up the topic of health and slowly progress to prostate cancer.
- Listen to his fears and concerns. He may have symptoms that he does not yet realise. Try your best to prompt him to take note of the above symptoms. Better yet, tell him what he should be looking out for.
- Support him no matter what the outcome is. Go with him for a health screening to provide emotional support. He needs somebody to be his pillar of strength.
Treatment for Prostate Cancer
Once you have been diagnosed with the disease, your doctor will work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your needs, depending on the severity.
“Treatment for prostate cancer varies with the stage and grade of the prostate cancer. We also consider the age of the patient on diagnosis and medical condition. Prostate cancer can be treated surgically by removing the prostate, radiation, hormonal and chemotherapy,” said Dr. Manuel.
How to Reduce the Risk of Prostate Cancer
While we can’t guarantee preventing prostate cancer, there are things you can do to possibly reduce the chances of getting it.
Keeping a good, healthy weight, staying active with regular exercise, and having a balanced diet could help lower the risk of being diagnosed with the disease.
“You can also consume food rich in lycopene, like tomatoes, which helps with reducing your risk,” advised the urologist.
Foods you should consume for prostate health
In the name of good health, it is mandatory to practise good dietary habits. It is worth knowing the types of food that your husband, dad or brother should consume to maintain good prostate health.
- Ensure that he maintains a low-fat diet. Studies show that foods, such as meats and dairy products increase the chance of cancer.
- Tell him to consume more fruits and vegetables. It is a known fact that fruits and vegetables are high in vitamins and nutrients.
- Add fish to his diet. Fatty fish such as sardines and tuna are rich in omega-3, fatty acids thought to reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
- Consider green tea for a change! It is very good for the health and diet.
- Once in a while, do consider adding soy products to his diet. Rich in isoflavones, soy products are indeed a healthier alternative to standard dairy products.
- Instead of adding grated cheese to your salad, add nuts instead! Plant-based fats are indeed healthier than animal-based fats.
Remember, it’s all about having open conversations and keeping an eye on any changes. Encourage your man to maintain a healthy lifestyle, prioritise regular check-ups, and don’t hesitate to talk to a doctor if something seems off. Early detection makes a real difference in the fight against prostate cancer.
Image Source: iStock
Here at theAsianparent Singapore, it’s important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn’t serve as an alternative for medical advice or medical treatment. theAsianparent Singapore is not responsible for those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend consulting your doctor for clearer information.
