Active surveillance is a way of monitoring prostate cancer which
aims to avoid or delay unnecessary treatment in men with less
aggressive cancer.
Many prostate cancers are detected at an early stage by a PSA test.
Prostate cancer can be slow growing and, for many men, the disease
may never progress or cause any symptoms. In other words, many men
with prostate cancer will never need any treatment.
Treatments for prostate cancer can cause side effects which can
affect your quality of life. By monitoring the cancer through
active surveillance, you can avoid or delay these side effects.
Active surveillance is suitable for men with low risk early
stage prostate cancer that is contained within the prostate gland
(localised prostate cancer).
It may also be suitable for some men with medium risk cancer. Your
specialist will discuss whether it is an option for you.
See
all treatment options
Updated May 2010
To be reviewed May 2012