Active Surveillance

Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer

What Is Active Surveillance?

Active surveillance is not the same as “just watching.”
It is a careful and structured way to monitor prostate cancer without starting treatment right away.

Doctors often recommend active surveillance when:

  • Prostate cancer is found early
  • The cancer is growing very slowly

This plan helps avoid or delay treatments that can cause side effects—until they are truly needed.

How Does Active Surveillance Work?

Your doctor will check your prostate cancer on a regular schedule. This may include:

  • PSA blood tests every few months
  • Digital rectal exams (DRE) to feel for any changes
  • MRI scans to check the prostate
  • Repeat prostate biopsies to see if the cancer is changing or growing

Why Choose Active Surveillance?

Many men choose active surveillance because:

  • Prostate cancer often grows very slowly
  • It helps avoid or delay treatments that can lead to urinary or sexual side effects
  • It is a safe option for low-risk prostate cancer
  • It allows time to act if the cancer begins to grow faster

Who Should Consider Active Surveillance?

Doctors usually recommend active surveillance if:

  • Your cancer is small and low-risk
  • Your PSA score is low
  • Your cancer cells look slow-growing under a microscope

The PROSPECT Study

The PROSPECT Study is a large research project that tracks men who choose active surveillance.
It shows that this approach is safe for many men and helps delay treatment without harming long-term health.

Who Qualifies for the Study?

  • Diagnosed with low-risk prostate cancer
  • PSA level usually under 10 ng/mL
  • Gleason score of 6 or lower
  • Cancer that is only in the prostate
  • Willing to keep up with regular check-ups and tests

When Is Treatment Needed?

Treatment may begin if:

  • PSA levels rise
  • MRI or biopsies show the cancer is growing or changing

Treatment options may include:

  • Radiation therapy
  • Surgery
  • Hormone therapy

Staying Informed and In Control

Active surveillance helps you stay involved in your care.
You and your doctor can watch your health closely and decide together when (or if) treatment is needed.

Scroll to Top