No, it is very different. Watchful waiting aims to avoid treatment unless symptoms develop. Then, when treatment starts, it is aimed at controlling the cancer rather than getting rid of it. Watchful waiting can be suitable for men with other health problems or who may be less able to cope with treatment.

What is active monitoring?
Some people use the term active monitoring to describe both watchful waiting and active surveillance, so check with your specialist team to find out exactly what type of monitoring you are being offered.

Advantages
• As there is no physical treatment involved, there are none of the physical side effects associated with other treatments.
• It does not interfere with your everyday life as much as treatment.

Disadvantages
• Some men may become anxious or worry about their cancer changing.
• You may need to have more prostate biopsies.
• There is a small chance that the cancer may grow more quickly than expected and become more difficult to treat.

What might be an advantage for one person may not be for someone else. Please talk to your specialist team about your own situation.

You can read our fact sheet online for more information about the advantages and disadvantages of active surveillance.

If you have active surveillance, your prostate cancer will be monitored with regular tests.

Monitoring will usually involve:
• PSA testing every three months for two years, then every six months from then on.
• Digital rectal examinations (DRE) every three to six months for two years, then every year.
• Repeat prostate biopsies every few years, depending on your treatment centre.

The tests aim to find any changes that suggest that the cancer may grow and cause symptoms. Treatment can then be offered at an early stage. You can read more about the treatments for prostate cancer on our treatment choices pages.

As active surveillance involves no treatment there are no physical side effects.

However, many men find it difficult living with prostate cancer and worry that it may change or spread. Many men experience anxiety or depression, although it is unclear whether men on active surveillance worry more about cancer than men who have other treatments. Some men on active surveillance may choose to have treatment even though there is no change in their cancer because they are worried about it.

You may find that it helps to talk to family or friends about how you are feeling. You could also speak to your specialist team or call our confidential Helpline. We can provide other support which you might find helpful.

• How often will I have my PSA level checked?
• Who will check my PSA level and give me the results?
• How often will I see my specialist team?
• How often will I have a digital rectal examination?
• Will I need repeat prostate biopsies and how often?
• How quickly would my PSA level have to rise for you to recommend treatment?
• What treatments could I have if my cancer grows?