ACTIVE SURVEILLANCE What is Active Surveillance? Many men with low-risk prostate cancer that has not spread are unlikely to come to any harm or decrease their life expectancy from their cancer. Such men may never need any treatment for their cancer as it is so slow growing or ‘lazy’. Men with low-risk cancer have the same survival benefit as those men treated with surgery or radiotherapy. Early treatment can lead to unnecessary side effects affecting quality of life. Instead, doctors may recommend monitoring or observation for men with these types of cancers and defer any treatment should the cancer gets worse. Active surveillance is therefore a strategy of regular, close monitoring of the cancer. The intent is still ‘cure’. Who can be on active surveillance? Some of the characteristics that help decide if active surveillance is a reasonable alternative to active treatment options (surgery, radiotherapy or brachytherapy) include: • The cancer is small • The cancer is confined to the prostate • PSA blood test is usually less than 15 • The Gleason score is 6 or 7, suggesting that it is slow growing • If the cancer starts to grow, then you can still have an operation or radiation with the aim of cure • There are no symptoms • You can do your everyday activities without concern about the cancer spreading • You understand the benefits and risks of your decision to be monitored What other factors are considered for active surveillance? • Age Younger men tend to live longer with their cancers, and therefore there is a higher chance that the cancer may progress. Although young men can be managed with active surveillance, they require long term follow-up
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FIGHTING PROSTATE CANCER - A SURVIVAL GUIDE
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