Overview
Active surveillance is a treatment plan that involves closely monitoring a patient's condition but not giving any treatment unless there are changes in test results that show the condition is getting worse.
Who is it for?
It is often used for older men with slow-growing (low-risk) prostate cancer. The goal is to avoid the side effects of surgery or radiation when the cancer is unlikely to cause harm during the patient's lifetime.
The Process
Regular check-ups are key. This includes PSA blood tests, digital rectal exams (DRE), and periodic prostate biopsies or MRI scans to ensure the cancer remains stable.