The Benefits of Active Surveillance
Prostate Cancer
The Benefits of Active Surveillance
One of the great cancer debates right now is what to do with early stage prostate cancer. Many more of these cancers are being found because of increased screening. There’s a real question about how dangerous these cancers are and whether they should be treated. There are guidelines for active surveillance and who will do well with it, but there are also differing opinions. Choosing active surveillance means you avoid the potential side effects of treatment, including sexual and urinary problems.
About 50% of men who opt for active surveillance will have changes within five years that require active treatment, says Dr. David Brooks, Chief of Urologic Oncology at Stanford Medicine.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
One of the great cancer debates right now is what to do with early stage prostate cancer. Many more of these cancers are being found because of increased screening. There’s a real question about how dangerous these cancers are and whether they should be treated. There are guidelines for active surveillance and who will do well with it, but there are also differing opinions. Choosing active surveillance means you avoid the potential side effects of treatment, including sexual and urinary problems.
About 50% of men who opt for active surveillance will have changes within five years that require active treatment, says Dr. David Brooks, Chief of Urologic Oncology at Stanford Medicine.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
Treatment: When to Start?
Active surveillance for prostate cancer is a very specific protocol with requirements and guidelines. While this is not ideal for everyone, it may work for certain patients and spare them the side effects of treatment.
Treatment: Watching and Waiting
Active surveillance for prostate cancer is a very specific protocol with requirements and guidelines. While this is not ideal for everyone, it may work for certain patients and spare them the side effects of treatment.
Before you decide on a surgeon or a surgical technique for prostate cancer, you should understand the options and some key questions to ask your surgeon.
Treatment: Considering Surgery
Before you decide on a surgeon or a surgical technique for prostate cancer, you should understand the options and some key questions to ask your surgeon.