Prostate Health: What every man should know this Movember

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in Singapore. This Movember, learn when to check your prostate, which tests matter, and why understanding your overall health is just as important.

Every November, moustaches become a familiar sight as Movember raises awareness of men's health, particularly prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health.

But beyond the moustaches, Movember carries an important message: men should feel comfortable talking about their health and taking action when it matters.

For men in Singapore, prostate health is a good place to start.

According to the Singapore Cancer Registry, 8,114 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer between 2019 and 2023, accounting for 18% of all cancers diagnosed in men. This makes prostate cancer the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Singaporean men.

Yet prostate health is something many men rarely think about until they experience symptoms.

The prostate is a small gland located just below the bladder. It plays a role in reproductive health, but changes to the prostate become more common as men age.

One common condition is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or prostate enlargement. Although non-cancerous, it can cause uncomfortable urinary symptoms.

Signs worth paying attention to include:

• Needing to urinate more frequently, particularly at night
• Difficulty starting urination or a weaker urine stream
• Feeling that your bladder has not emptied completely
• A sudden or frequent urge to urinate
• Blood in your urine or semen

These symptoms do not necessarily mean cancer. They may be caused by prostate enlargement, infection or other urinary conditions.

Importantly, early-stage prostate cancer often causes no noticeable symptoms.

Understanding your personal risk and speaking with a doctor about suitable testing can help you make informed decisions, even when you feel well.

There is no single age when every man needs prostate screening.

In Singapore, the National Cancer Centre Singapore recommends discussing prostate cancer screening based on individual risk factors, family history and personal preferences.

Here's a practical guide:

Remember: Urinary symptoms should be assessed at any age. You do not need to wait until 45 or 50 to speak with a doctor.

1. PSA blood test: Checking a prostate health marker

A Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test measures the level of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate, in your blood.

Elevated PSA levels may be associated with prostate enlargement, inflammation or prostate cancer.

However, a raised PSA does not automatically mean cancer, and a normal reading cannot completely rule it out.

Your doctor will consider your PSA result alongside your age, family history and other findings before recommending any further assessment.

PSA screening is a personal decision because it has both benefits and limitations, including the possibility of unnecessary investigations.

2. Prostate ultrasound: Looking at the gland itself

A prostate ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images of the prostate.

It can help doctors assess the size of the gland and certain structural changes, particularly when prostate enlargement or urinary problems are suspected.

While PSA measures a blood marker, ultrasound provides information about the prostate's physical structure.

A prostate ultrasound is not a reliable standalone test for detecting or ruling out prostate cancer. If cancer is suspected, your doctor may recommend further investigations such as MRI or biopsy.

Not every man needs both tests. Your doctor can advise which assessments are appropriate based on your individual needs.

Movember is also a timely reminder to look beyond a single health concern.

As men enter their 40s and 50s, conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol deserve attention, too.

In Singapore, the national Healthier SG Screening programme recommends cardiovascular risk screening, including checks for diabetes and high cholesterol, from age 40 for eligible adults.

Many of these conditions can develop without obvious symptoms.

A broader health screening can help you understand your current health, identify risk factors and establish a baseline for future comparison.

For men who want to understand their health beyond a single test, HMI Medical Centre's Pulse Select Health Screening brings together a range of assessments in one doctor-led screening.

It includes a PSA blood test for men, with the option to choose a prostate ultrasound as the package's imaging assessment, where medically appropriate.

Pulse Select also covers several important areas of men's health:

The package also includes a medical consultation, physical examination and doctor-led review of your results.

For men who want a broader understanding of their health, Pulse Select provides a useful starting point. It brings together assessments across multiple health areas, helping identify findings that may require lifestyle changes, monitoring or further medical attention.

While the package is generally positioned for adults aged 35 and above, individual tests, including PSA screening and prostate ultrasound, should be selected based on medical suitability.

Growing a moustache can help start a conversation about men's health. Taking time to understand your own health can make that conversation more meaningful.

Whether you're in your 40s, 50s or beyond, it's worth knowing your risk factors, recognising changes in your body and keeping up with appropriate health assessments.

This Movember, make men's health a priority, starting with a conversation about yours.

Learn more about Pulse Select Health Screening, or speak with our team about which assessments may be suitable for you.

You can also join us at our men’s health event on Saturday, 14 November 2026, at Raffles City Convention Centre. Click here to register to attend, and take the next step towards better health.