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Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer

Table of Contents

Overview

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:

Risks

Risks

There is a risk that the prostate cancer will grow during active surveillance. That's why it's important to follow your doctor's schedule of tests and exams. It will help your doctor find out right away if the cancer is growing. Then it can be treated in the early stages, when treatment is most successful.

Credits for Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer

Current as of: October 25, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


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