Investing In Health

The prostate is a tiny gland found below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It produces seminal fluid, which nourishes and transports sperm. With age, the prostate can become prone to various health issues, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, and prostate cancer. Prostate cancer, in particular, poses a significant risk, especially for men over 50, and is the most common cancer among men in Singapore.

Generational Wealth and Health

Ensuring good prostate health is a critical aspect of family history that we pass down through generations. Preventing prostate cancer can help maintain the quality of life, allowing us to provide for our families without the burden of chronic illness.

Generational wealth, therefore, is not just about financial security but also about ensuring that future generations inherit good health practices. This holistic approach to wealth and health creates a robust foundation for our children and grandchildren, empowering them to thrive both financially and physically.

There are preventive measures to lower the chance of developing prostate cancer and cancer progression. By adopting the following healthy lifestyle choices and promoting them within our families, we can mitigate the risk of prostate cancer:

• Eating a Healthy Diet: A diet loaded with fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats can promote prostate health. Specifically, foods high in antioxidants, such as tomatoes (rich in lycopene), broccoli, and green tea, can reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
• Engaging in Frequent Physical Activity: In order to lower prostate cancer risk, get a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity weekly, coupled with strength training exercises.
• Maintaining a Healthy Weight: Obesity is linked to an increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer. Managing weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise is critical for reducing this risk.
• Minimising Alcohol Intake: Reducing alcohol consumption decreases the overall exposure to ethanol, thereby lowering the risk of prostate cancer.
• Attending Regular Screenings: Many early-stage prostate problems do not have symptoms. Therefore, even if you’re feeling perfectly fine, men over 50 or over 45 with a family history of prostate cancer can speak to their urologist about prostate health. If indicated, your urologist may suggest that you undergo a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test and a digital rectal exam (DRE). According to the American Cancer Society, regular PSA screenings can lower the chance of dying from prostate cancer by 20-30%.

Family History and Prostate Cancer Risk

Nonetheless, it is important to acknowledge that although lifestyle factors play a critical role in affecting prostate cancer risk, we still need to factor in genetic predisposition. Males with a father or brother diagnosed with prostate cancer are more prone to developing prostate cancer relative to their counterparts without a family history of prostate cancer. As such, men with such a genetic predisposition are generally encouraged to discuss their prostate health with a urologist 5 years earlier than the norm.

Prioritising Prostate Health

Open conversations with family members about prostate health and family medical history can help identify those at higher risk of prostate cancer and encourage early intervention.

Preventive prostate health is an integral part of maintaining generational wealth and ensuring a healthy future for ourselves and our descendants. By adopting proactive health measures, regular screenings, a healthy lifestyle, and staying informed, we can significantly lower the risk of developing prostate cancer and other prostate-related issues.

As men, it is our responsibility to take charge of our prostate health, not just for our own sake but for the well-being of our families and future generations. By prioritising prostate health, we can build a legacy of strength, resilience, and vitality that transcends generations.

About Dr Terence Lim

Dr Terence Lim is a Senior Consultant Urologist in Singapore with a subspeciality in urological cancers, such as prostate cancer. Prior to starting his own specialist clinic, Dr Lim spent almost two decades in public healthcare, serving as Senior Consultant and Chief of the Department of Urology at Changi General Hospital (CGH) where he is currently a Visiting Consultant. Dr Lim was also the director of CGH’s Advanced Surgical Centre, a committee dealing with complex surgeries, including robotic surgeries. He is currently the Medical Director at Assure Urology & Robotic Centre, a member of Beyond Medical Group.