KUALA LUMPUR: Greater awareness of prostate cancer is needed to encourage men to lead healthy lifestyles and undergo regular checkups, says Syed Ahmad Syed Abdul Rahman Alhadad.
The Lembah Jaya assemblyman - better known as Altimet - stated that awareness of this specific type of cancer is crucial, especially for men aged 45 and above.
"I realised there is a lack of awareness about prostate cancer. Many men do not maintain their health, and when it declines, trouble awaits.
In the long run, prevention is better than cure," he said during a free prostate checkup and talk on prostate cancer awareness held in conjunction with the Madani Community Programme in Taman Melawati on Saturday (Dec 21).
"We hope to get 200 people to sign up for the free checkup. This is the first time we are holding such events, and we hope to organise more awareness programmes in the future," said the former rapper turned Selangor lawmaker.
Meanwhile, urology specialist Dr Tam Wei Lun, who delivered a talk on prostate cancer awareness, emphasised that most prostate cancer cases are asymptomatic, making early detection crucial.
"Some symptoms and signs are closely related to a swollen or enlarged prostate, such as recurring infections. It can be so subtle and not obvious, so most men might think it is part of the ageing process," he explained.
He added that living a healthy lifestyle, maintaining a balanced diet, and exercising are key to reducing the risk of developing prostate cancer.
"However, if such efforts are not sufficient, then the next step is early detection, such as through the free checkup offered today," he said.
The free checkup and awareness talk were jointly organised by the Lembah Jaya branch of the Selangor Youth Movement (PEBS), headed by its chief Taufiq Zolkepli, and KPJ Ampang Puteri Specialist.
