When it comes to health, many men overlook or put off addressing potential issues, especially when symptoms aren’t obvious. Dr. Teo Yin Keong, Consultant Clinical Oncologist at Gleneagles Hospital Johor, urges men to take a proactive stance on their prostate health. He warns that waiting for symptoms to appear can be a dangerous choice, particularly with prostate cancer, which often shows no symptoms in its early stages.
Prostate Cancer in Malaysia: A Silent, Growing Concern
According to the Malaysia National Cancer Registry Report 2017-2021, prostate cancer ranks as the third most common cancer among Malaysian men. Dr. Teo emphasizes that this often-overlooked cancer affects a significant portion of the male population, with many cases only being discovered at advanced stages due to insufficient early screening and awareness. By the time prostate cancer symptoms manifest, it may have already spread, making treatment more challenging and outcomes less favorable.
Why Prostate Cancer Often Goes Unnoticed
One of the primary reasons prostate cancer can remain undetected until late stages is its lack of early warning signs. Dr. Teo advises that early-stage prostate cancer can often be detected through a blood test for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) or a digital rectal examination (DRE) – two essential tools for early detection. Regular screening, he stresses, is crucial to uncovering the disease in its earliest stages.
Risk Factors to Consider
Dr. Teo outlines several risk factors for prostate cancer:
- Age: The risk increases after age 50.
- Family History: Men with a family history of prostate or breast cancer are at higher risk.
- Lifestyle Factors: Diets high in red meat and fat, along with sedentary habits, may contribute to increased prostate cancer rates.
Encouragingly, diets high in fruits, vegetables, and fiber, and lower in red meat and saturated fats, along with regular physical activity, have been associated with better prostate health
Early Detection and Screening: Taking the First Step
Regular screening is vital in the fight against prostate cancer. A PSA test, a quick and straightforward blood test, can reveal elevated levels of prostate-specific antigen, often associated with prostate cancer. Dr. Teo stresses that when prostate cancer is caught early, the prognosis improves significantly, making it much more manageable and treatable.
At Gleneagles Hospital Johor’s Cancer Centre in Johor Bahru, Dr. Teo and our team prioritize state-of-the-art diagnostic tools such as Digital PET CT scans and Gallium-68 scans, which offer precision in early detection and enable a more personalized approach to patient care.
Treatment Options at Gleneagles Hospital Johor’s Cancer Centre
For those diagnosed with prostate cancer, Dr. Teo and his colleagues at the Cancer Centre offer a comprehensive range of treatments, from surgery to radiation therapy and targeted therapies. Treatment plans are customized to each patient’s specific stage of cancer and overall health to ensure the best possible outcome. With advanced technology and a dedicated team of experts, the Cancer Centre at Gleneagles Hospital Johor supports patients at every step of their journey.
Take Charge of Your Health Today
Dr. Teo urges men to prioritize their health and not delay screening. With prostate cancer ranking as the third most common cancer among men in Malaysia, awareness, regular screening, and timely intervention are essential. Make your health a priority—schedule a visit with our health screening team at Gleneagles Hospital Johor’s Cancer Centre.
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