Prostate cancer: what you need to know
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has been diagnosed with prostate
cancer and will undergo surgery to remove his prostate gland, the
Prime Minister's Office said on Sunday.
Prostate cancer occurs when a malignant tumour forms in the tissue
of the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system located
below the bladder.
The condition is the third most common cancer among Singaporean
men. Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong underwent successful
surgery at Singapore General Hospital for prostate cancer in
November last year.
Prostate cancer tends to affect those above the age of 50, with the
likelihood increasing as one gets older.
Smokers and those with a family history of prostate cancer are also
at higher risk of developing the condition.
Symptoms include a need to urinate frequently, painful urination
and blood in the urine or semen.
In early stages of the cancer - when it is confined to the prostate
gland - the condition can be treated by removing the prostate gland
and nearby tissue. Patients can also opt for chemotherapy and
external beam radiation therapy.
While there are no proven methods that prevent prostate cancer,
regular exercise, a balanced diet and abstaining from smoking are
helpful measures, doctors say.
The cancer can be detected through blood tests, ultrasounds and
rectal examinations.
From 2009 to 2013, 3,456 people in Singapore were diagnosed with
having prostate cancer.
According to statistics, Chinese men have a higher risk of
developing the cancer, compared to Malay and Indian men.
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