Since many treatments for prostateThe prostate is a walnut-sized gland located between the bla... Full Definition cancerCancer is a group of diseases where cells grow abnormally an... Full Definition have some level of side effects, another option for men with slow-growing cancer completely contained in the prostate is Active Surveillance. This means not treating the cancer directly, but undergoing regular tests and observation to see if the cancer is progressing. If the tumorA lump or swelling caused by abnormal growth of cells. Not a... Full Definition grows to the extent that it is causing symptoms or risks spreading, the patient can choose to take action.
Who is this treatment best for?
Men who have been diagnosed with low-risk, slow-growing prostate cancer that is confined to the prostate.
What to Expect
Active Surveillance does not treat the cancer. Rather, men visit their doctors regularly for follow-up testing to make sure that their low-risk, slow-growing cancer is not changing. Monitoring involves PSA testing, digital rectal exams, and biopsy. If the tests show that the cancer is changing, doctors will suggest treatment options.
In some cases, the patient may choose to watch their cancer for signs of growth, even though they do NOT plan to treat it. A man may decide on palliative treatment only, which addresses pain and other symptoms, because this gives him the quality of life he desires. This is sometimes known as “Watchful Waiting.”
Who orders or performs the treatment?
What are common side effects?
Some men experience anxiety.