Active surveillance and observation are wait-and-see approaches to treatment for prostate cancer. They let you avoid or postpone treatments like surgery and radiation that can cause serious side effects.
With either option, you can choose to start treatment at any time.
Active surveillance is an option for some people who have slow-growing cancer that hasn't spread outside the prostate (localized). With active surveillance, you'll have regular checkups and tests. You won't have treatment unless tests show the cancer is growing. Some people will never need treatment.
It may seem odd to have cancer and not have treatment for it. But many people choose active surveillance because:
If test results, including the Gleason score from your prostate biopsy, show this is an option for you, talk to your doctor. To help you make your decision, discuss:
©2011-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated