ACTIVE SURVEILLANCE

In active surveillance, the patient’s condition is closely monitored, and treatment is ready if cancer grows or spreads. Patients with low-risk or less aggressive prostate cancer and at least 10 years of life expectancy are suitable for active surveillance as a treatment option. Other factors to consider are:

  • The patient’s overall health
  • Features or unique characteristics of the tumor
  • Patients’ wishes about their treatment.

The following tests will be conducted as part of active surveillance:

  • Continued PSA monitoring and digital rectal exam (DRE) at least once per year
  • Prostate MRI every one to two years
  • Prostate Biopsy every 1-3 years

Active surveillance allows men with low-risk prostate cancer to delay treatment while closely monitoring the disease through regular PSA tests, imaging, and biopsies. If PSA levels rise, the tumor grows, or biopsy results show a higher Grade Group, it may be time to consider more active treatment.

For many men, however, treatment may never be necessary—some prostate cancers grow so slowly that they never cause problems during a man’s lifetime.

Research shows that many men on active surveillance choose treatment not because their cancer has progressed, but because of anxiety or uncertainty. This is why it’s important to address mental health, stay informed, and seek a second opinion if there is confusion or concern about your current disease status.