Prostate Health In Singapore - What You Need To Know
Prostate health issues, including common conditions like Enlarged Prostate (Benign Prostate Enlargement) and Prostate Cancer, become increasing common as one ages. Learn more about Prostate Health with our collection of informative articles and resources.
Topics
Screen For Prostate Health – Detect For Early Treatment.
Early detection is crucial for addressing prostate health conditions. Book your screening today to protect your health. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear – by then, it could be too late.
Browse health screening packages from our healthcare partners, or contact us for an appointment with a urologist. Book an appointment to stay one step ahead.
See A Doctor
If you are looking for a urologist in Singapore for prostate health screening or treatment, here are some to consider:
Urologist
Dr Shirley Bang – Advanced Urology
Dr Jimmy Beng – SMG Urology Centre with Beng Surgery
Dr Lee Yee Mun – Nexus Surgical
Dr Fiona Wu – Aare Urocare
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Adjunct Associate Professor Chong Yew Lam – Tan Tock Seng Hospital
Associate Professor Edmund Chiong – National University Hospital
Dr John Yuen Shyi Peng – Singapore General Hospital
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Financials
MediSave / MediShield
As of Nov 2024, under the MediSave 500/700 scheme, Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP) patients can use up to $700 per year if they have complex chronic conditions, or $500 per year otherwise, to reduce the out-of-pocket cash payments for outpatient chronic disease bills. Each claim is subject to a 15% co-payment in cash.Â
With the coverage of CDMP aligned with that under CHAS Chronic, eligible patients can tap on both their MediSave and CHAS Chronic subsidies for the outpatient treatments of their CDMP conditions at CHAS GP clinics.
Enlarged Prostate treatment is MediSave claimable.
Prostate Cancer – You can use MediSave for cancer drug treatments on the Cancer Drug List at SOCs subject to a limit of $600 or $1,200 per month per patient depending on the cancer drug treatment.
Radiotherapy treatments are limited to $80 – $2,800 per treatment, depending on the type of radiotherapy.
Check with CPF for more details and on the latest MediSave policies.
Financial Planning For Cost Of Medical Treatment In Singapore
The cost of medical treatment in Singapore is a significant concern for many individuals and families. Proper financial planning is.
MediSave And Medishield Life Coverage For Overseas Singaporeans
Know more about MediSave, MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans coverage for overseas medical expenses.
Resources On Food And Drugs
FAQs
What is an enlarged prostate?
An enlarged prostate, or BPH, is a non-cancerous growth of the prostate gland. As men age, the prostate can increase in size, potentially leading to urinary symptoms. The condition is prevalent among older men, with the Singapore Urological Association noting that BPH is one of the most common urological conditions.
What are the symptoms of an enlarged prostate?
Common symptoms include:
- Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia).
- Difficulty starting urination.
- Weak or interrupted urine stream.
- Urgency to urinate.
- Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. These symptoms can vary in severity and may affect the quality of life.
How is an enlarged prostate diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves:
- Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): To check the size of the prostate.
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: Measures the level of PSA in the blood, which can be elevated in BPH.
- Urinalysis: Checks for infection or other conditions that could be causing symptoms.
- Ultrasound: Provides an image of the prostate and bladder.
- Urodynamic Tests: Measure bladder pressure and urine flow.
- Cystoscopy: A scope is inserted into the urethra to examine the bladder and prostate.
Is there a link between enlarged prostate and prostate cancer?
No, an enlarged prostate (BPH) does not lead to prostate cancer. While both conditions affect the prostate and share similar symptoms, BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, whereas prostate cancer involves the growth of malignant cells. Regular screening and monitoring are essential to differentiate between the two conditions.
What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?
Early-stage prostate cancer often has no symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they may include frequent urination, difficulty starting or stopping urination, weak or interrupted urine flow, painful or burning urination, difficulty having an erection, and blood in urine or semen.
How is prostate cancer detected if there are no symptoms?
Prostate cancer can be detected through screening tests such as the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and digital rectal exam (DRE). These tests can help identify prostate cancer before symptoms develop.
What are the treatment options for prostate cancer?
Treatment options for prostate cancer depend on the stage and grade of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health. Common treatments include active surveillance, surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.
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Additional Resources
- What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)? | Urology Practice. Available from: https://www.urologypractice.sg/services/enlarged-prostate-bph-treatment/
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) – Symptoms and causes | Mayo Clinic. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia/symptoms-causes/syc-20370087
- Prostate disease treatment | Mount Elizabeth Hospital. Available from: https://www.memc.com.sg/specialty-areas/urology/prostate-disease-treatment/
- Nocturia (Night-time urination) | SingHealth. Available from: https://www.singhealth.com.sg/patient-care/conditions-treatments/Nocturia
- Blood in Urine (Hematuria): Is It Always Dangerous?​ | HealthXchange. Available from: https://www.healthxchange.sg/digestive-system/kidney/blood-urine-hematuria-dangerous
- Prostate Cancer | Mayo Clinic. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prostate-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20353087
- What is Prostate Cancer? | Singapore Cancer Society. Available from: https://www.singaporecancersociety.org.sg/learn-about-cancer/types-of-cancer/prostate-cancer.html
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test | US National Cancer Institute. Available from: https://www.cancer.gov/types/prostate/psa-fact-sheet
- Prostate Cancer Treatment | National University Cancer Institute. Available from: https://www.ncis.com.sg/Cancer-Information/About-Cancer/Pages/Prostate-Cancer.aspx
- Prostate Cancer Support – Walnut Warriors | Singapore Cancer Society. Available from: https://www.singaporecancersociety.org.sg/get-help/cancer-survivor/join-a-support-group/walnut-warriors-support-group.html