The Singapore Urological Association (SUA) and the Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) Singapore have started a month-long prostate screening campaign in April.
The Prostate Awareness Month aims to reach out to more Singaporean men between the ages of 50 to 75 years old to educate them about the warning signs of prostate disease and encourage early treatment.Dr Fong Yan Kit, Chairman of Prostate Awareness Month said: “Prostate disease affects up to half of all men older than 50, yet many Singaporean men are in denial even though they are aware that they have one or more of the warning signs of prostate disease. By conducting the nation’s largest prostate screening, we hope to drive more men to see their doctors and get tested early for prostate disease.”
The survey also found that many men view benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) as part of growing old and choose to suffer through difficulty in urination and interrupted sleep.
BPH is the most common prostate problem among men above 50 years old affecting the prostate gland and causing the prostate to enlarge. Prostate cancer is the fifth commonest cancer in Singaporean men. The risk of developing BPH and prostate cancer rises as men age. In view of Singapore's aging population, the incidence of prostate disease among men in Singapore is expected to increase.
Dr Koo Wen Hsin, Chairman of the Singapore Cancer Society said: “Symptoms of BPH may occur with other diseases that affect the prostate, including prostate cancer. It is therefore important for men over the age of 50 to consult their doctor when they suspect any health or early urinary problems.”
Source: BioSpectrum
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