PM Lee Hsien Loong's prostate cancer operation a success

SINGAPORE - Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong underwent a successful surgery for his prostate cancer on Monday.

In a statement released by the Prime Minister's Office, it said that Mr Lee is now recovering.

Singapore General Hospital's lead urologist Professor Christopher Cheng, who operated on Mr Lee, said: "The surgery went very smoothly, and he is expected to recover fully."

In the statement, Prof Cheng also confirmed that there is no relationship between Mr Lee's prostate cancer diagnosis and his previous bout of lymphoma in 1992. 

On his Facebook page yesterday, Mr Lee said: "I'm all set for my op tomorrow, and so are my surgeon and medical team.

"Thank you all for your concern, good wishes and encouraging words! I have already received so many emails, SMSs, and messages through friends and contacts wishing me well."

Mr Lee will be on medical leave for one week. During this period, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Teo Chee Hean will be Acting Prime Minister.

According to the Health Promotion Board, prostate cancer is the third most common cancer among Singaporean men.

The risk of prostate cancer increases after 50 years old.

Mr Lee turned 63 years old on Feb 10.

Last November, Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong underwent sucessful surgery for prostate cancer and was given a clean bill of health after the operation.

Statement from the Prime Minister's Office:

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's surgery was successful.

Professor Christopher Cheng, the lead urologist at the Singapore General Hospital who undertook the operation said, "The surgery went very smoothly, and he is expected to recover fully."

Prof Cheng confirmed that there is no relationship between the previous lymphoma and the current prostate cancer.

PM Lee is grateful for the good wishes from all.

PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE

16 FEBRUARY 2015

stephluo@sph.com.sg