Prostate cancer treatment in Singapore combines advanced surgery, radiation, and medical therapies with strong patient support. This article explains options, expected costs, provider choices, and recovery timelines so you can make an informed decision about Prostate Cancer Treatment Singapore.
TL;DR
- Singapore offers high-quality prostate cancer care across public and private hospitals.
- Surgery ranges from conservative removal to robotic-assisted prostatectomy.
- Costs vary widely: public subsidised stays are lower; private robotic care costs more.
- MediShield Life and subsidies reduce bills for eligible patients.
- PanAsia Surgery and national centres like NCCS and MOH list treatment pathways.
Treatment options available in Singapore
Singapore offers a full range of treatments for prostate cancer, from monitoring to aggressive Urology Surgery surgery.
Active surveillance suits low-risk disease and avoids immediate side effects. Radical prostatectomy removes the prostate and suits localized disease. Radiation therapy targets cancer cells with high-energy beams. Hormone therapy lowers testosterone to slow disease progression. Cryotherapy and bone-directed treatments help selected patients with recurrence or spread.
Robotic and open prostatectomy
Robotic prostatectomy provides precise removal with smaller incisions and faster recovery. The Da Vinci system is widely used in private hospitals and some public centres. Open surgery remains standard for complex cases and when robotic access is limited. Robotic surgery often shortens hospital stay and speeds return to normal activity.
Radiation and hormone therapies
Radiation therapy treats localized and locally advanced disease using external beam or brachytherapy. Hormone therapy controls metastatic disease and complements other treatments. Combined regimens improve outcomes for higher-risk cancers. Typical radiation courses span several weeks.
Active surveillance and focal treatments
Active surveillance tracks low-risk tumours with regular PSA tests and biopsies. Focal treatments like cryotherapy target only cancerous tissue and preserve function. These options reduce overtreatment for men with slow-growing disease.
Costs and financial coverage
Costs differ by hospital class, treatment type, and subsidy eligibility.
Public hospital prostatectomy bills vary widely. Typical removal costs in public settings run approximately S$19,320–S$24,750, with higher private rates around S$58,607–S$71,599. Robotic prostatectomy fees can add approximately S$12,000 in private settings. Radiation therapy courses commonly cost S$25,000–S$30,000. These figures vary based on complexity and length of stay.
MediShield Life, subsidies and private insurance
MediShield Life and MediSave pay part of the hospital bill for eligible Singapore citizens and permanent residents. Many patients also use private insurance to cover extras. Subsidies depend on ward class and means testing. Check MOH pages for exact subsidy bands and billing codes at MOH.
Comparing public vs private costs
Public hospitals offer lower out-of-pocket costs with subsidised wards. Private hospitals provide faster scheduling and wider access to robotic systems. Many patients choose private care for shorter wait times and perceived convenience. Cost-conscious patients can combine public surgery with private follow-up consultations.
Choosing a hospital and surgeon in Singapore
Pick a team with urologic oncology experience and multidisciplinary support.
Look for fellowship training in urologic oncology and a strong track record with radical prostatectomy. Confirm experience with nerve-sparing techniques to preserve urinary and sexual function. National centres and tertiary hospitals list specialties and surgeon profiles online. For a private clinic option, see PanAsia Surgery’s prostate cancer services at PanAsia Surgery – Prostate Cancer.
Hospitals known for prostate care
NCCS, public university hospitals, and private specialist centres handle most complex cases. Each centre offers multidisciplinary tumour boards for personalised plans. Choose a centre that matches your comfort with cost, waiting time, and clinical complexity.
Recovery timelines and outcomes
Recovery depends on treatment type and patient health.
Hospital stays after robotic prostatectomy typically last one to three days. Full urinary control recovery can take weeks to months. Sexual function recovery varies and may require rehabilitation. Radiation side effects can appear later and last months. Cancer-specific survival rates for localized disease remain high with timely treatment.
Follow-up and survivorship care
Follow-up uses PSA testing, imaging, and symptom review. Rehabilitation teams help with pelvic floor exercises and sexual health. Long-term follow-up reduces recurrence risk through early detection.
Prostate Cancer Treatment Options in Singapore
Singapore provides a comprehensive range of treatments for prostate cancer, from careful monitoring to advanced surgical procedures. Choosing the right approach depends on disease stage, patient health, and personal preferences.
- Active surveillance is suitable for men with low-risk prostate cancer. It avoids immediate side effects by monitoring PSA levels and periodic biopsies.
- Radical prostatectomy involves surgical removal of the prostate and is recommended for localized disease.
- Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target cancer cells, effective for both localized and locally advanced disease.
- Hormone therapy reduces testosterone levels to slow disease progression, often combined with other treatments.
- Focal therapies like cryotherapy, and bone-targeted treatments, are options for recurrent or metastatic cancer.
Robotic and Open Prostatectomy
Robotic-assisted prostatectomy offers precise tumour removal with minimal incisions, often resulting in shorter hospital stays and faster recovery. The Da Vinci system is widely used in private hospitals and some public centres.
Open prostatectomy remains the standard for complex cases or where robotic access is limited. Surgeons may prefer open surgery for larger prostates or previous abdominal operations. Both techniques aim to preserve urinary and sexual function when possible.
Radiation and Hormone Therapies
Radiation therapy can be delivered via external beam or brachytherapy, targeting cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. Typical treatment courses last several weeks.
Hormone therapy controls metastatic disease and complements surgery or radiation for higher-risk cancers. Combined treatment regimens improve outcomes for patients with aggressive disease.
Active Surveillance and Focal Treatments
For men with slow-growing tumours, active surveillance avoids unnecessary treatment while maintaining regular monitoring.
Focal treatments, such as cryotherapy, target only the cancerous area, preserving prostate function and reducing side effects. These options help reduce overtreatment for low-risk cases.
Costs and Financial Coverage
Treatment costs vary depending on hospital class, procedure type, and subsidies:MediShield Life and MediSave cover part of the bill for eligible citizens and permanent residents. Private insurance can supplement costs for private care or additional services. Subsidies depend on ward class and means testing. Detailed information is available on the Ministry of Health (MOH) website.
Public vs Private Hospital Considerations
- Public hospitals: Lower out-of-pocket costs, access to subsidised wards, but longer waiting times.
- Private hospitals: Faster scheduling, broader access to robotic surgery, and perceived convenience, though at higher cost. Many patients combine public surgery with private follow-ups to balance cost and care.
Choosing a Hospital and Surgeon
Select a hospital and surgical team with urologic oncology expertise and multidisciplinary support. Key considerations include:
- Fellowship training in urologic oncology
- Experience with nerve-sparing techniques
- Proven outcomes with radical prostatectomy
National centres, university hospitals, and private specialist clinics provide multidisciplinary tumour boards to create personalised treatment plans. Private options, such as PanAsia Surgery, offer specialised prostate cancer services for patients seeking tailored care.
Leading Centres for Prostate Care
Singapore’s major centres for prostate cancer include the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS), public university hospitals, and private specialist hospitals. These institutions handle complex cases, provide comprehensive follow-up, and integrate oncology, urology, and radiology expertise.
Choosing the right centre depends on comfort with cost, wait times, and treatment complexity, ensuring personalised, effective care.
Summary
Prostate Cancer Treatment Singapore gives access to modern surgery, radiation, and medical therapies with strong clinical outcomes. Costs range widely between public and private care, but subsidies and insurance can reduce patient bills. Choose a surgeon with urologic oncology expertise and discuss recovery expectations clearly. For private clinic information, visit PanAsia Surgery’s prostate cancer page at panasiasurg.com. For official subsidy and bill information consult MOH and the NCCS clinical pages.
FAQs
How much does prostate cancer surgery cost in Singapore?
Surgery costs vary from roughly S$19,000 in public settings to S$58,000–S$72,000 privately. Exact bills depend on the procedure, ward class, and additional services.
Does MediShield Life cover prostate cancer treatment?
MediShield Life covers part of inpatient bills for eligible citizens and PRs, with subsidies for lower ward classes. Private extras may still require personal or private insurance cover.
Is robotic prostatectomy more effective?
Robotic prostatectomy offers precision and often faster recovery, with similar cancer control to open surgery for many cases. Surgical outcome depends on tumour stage and surgeon experience.
Should I consider medical travel for treatment?
Travel can reduce direct costs but adds travel risks and follow-up complexity. Many choose local care for continuity and high clinical standards in Singapore.
