Active Surveillance

The concept of active surveillance, or watchful waiting, has increasingly emerged in the past years as a viable option for men who, for one reason or another, have decided not to undergo immediate surgery or radiation therapy. During active surveillance, the cancer is carefully monitored for signs of progression. A PSA blood test and DRE are usually administered every six months along with a yearly biopsy of the prostate. If symptoms develop, or if tests indicate that the cancer is growing, treatment might be warranted.

Active surveillance might be a good choice for men who have very slow growing or very early cancers,  or for men who have other serious medical conditions that affect the way they live their lives, especially if these other conditions are likely to shorten their lifespan.

Also, many of the treatment options for prostate cancer can be difficult to endure, and better outcomes are seen in men who are otherwise healthy. If a man is currently battling other disorders or diseases, such as heart disease, long-standing high blood pressure, or poorly controlled diabetes, his doctors might feel that it is in his best interest to hold off on therapy and avoid its potential complications.

Additional Reading:

Chapter 2: Initial Treatment: Weighing the Pros and Cons of Each Option: Active Surveillance

Prostate Cancer News: Treatment and Outcomes