http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking+News/Singapore/Story/STIStory_397282.html
Subsidised prostate screening
By April Chong
AS PART of the Prostate Awareness Month, prostate screening will be cheaper by up to half this month at 200 clinics islandwide.
This is the first time that the Singapore Urological Association is making cheaper screening available on a wider basis, in a bid to reach out to more people. Previously, it was centralised at the public hospitals.
The package, at a subsidised rate of $50 at family clinics and $100 at specialised clinics in private hospitals, is also more comprehensive with a doctor's consultation and blood and urine tests.
Prostate problems are on the rise with the aging population, said Dr Michael Wong, the association's president. Common prostate diseases include prostate cancer and enlarged prostates.
Prostate cancer affects 22 in 100, 000 men here every year, up from 17.4 at the end of the last decade. It is the third most common cancer in men.
Now, about half of men 50 years and above have enlarged prostates, said Dr Wong. And up to two thirds of them will have problems urinating.
Many are putting up with the symptoms of having to urinate frequently, even to the extent of waking up multiple times at night to go to the toilet. Some also experience a weak urine stream and are unable to empty the bladder completely.
Said Dr Ng Chee Kwan, who chairs this year's prostate awareness month: 'There is no reason for elderly men to suffer prostate enlargement in silence and embarrassment.'
The association urged men between 50 and 75 yearsto get themselves checked early.
Members of the public can check the association's website or call 9613 2165/67 to find out the location of clinics offering the subsidised screening package. There will also be two public forums on July 11.
Subsidised prostate screening
By April Chong
AS PART of the Prostate Awareness Month, prostate screening will be cheaper by up to half this month at 200 clinics islandwide.
This is the first time that the Singapore Urological Association is making cheaper screening available on a wider basis, in a bid to reach out to more people. Previously, it was centralised at the public hospitals.
The package, at a subsidised rate of $50 at family clinics and $100 at specialised clinics in private hospitals, is also more comprehensive with a doctor's consultation and blood and urine tests.
Prostate problems are on the rise with the aging population, said Dr Michael Wong, the association's president. Common prostate diseases include prostate cancer and enlarged prostates.
Prostate cancer affects 22 in 100, 000 men here every year, up from 17.4 at the end of the last decade. It is the third most common cancer in men.
Now, about half of men 50 years and above have enlarged prostates, said Dr Wong. And up to two thirds of them will have problems urinating.
Many are putting up with the symptoms of having to urinate frequently, even to the extent of waking up multiple times at night to go to the toilet. Some also experience a weak urine stream and are unable to empty the bladder completely.
Said Dr Ng Chee Kwan, who chairs this year's prostate awareness month: 'There is no reason for elderly men to suffer prostate enlargement in silence and embarrassment.'
The association urged men between 50 and 75 yearsto get themselves checked early.
Members of the public can check the association's website or call 9613 2165/67 to find out the location of clinics offering the subsidised screening package. There will also be two public forums on July 11.
