Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men. According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime.

Fortunately, most men with prostate cancer have a slow-growing form of the disease, which means it may not require immediate treatment. In fact, in some cases, delaying treatment may be a valid option.

Active Surveillance

Active surveillance is an approach to managing prostate cancer that involves monitoring the cancer with regular tests and exams, rather than treating it immediately.

This strategy is often recommended for men who have low-risk or intermediate-risk prostate cancer. It allows doctors to monitor the cancer and identify any changes that may indicate more aggressive disease.

During active surveillance, men typically undergo regular prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests, digital rectal exams (DREs), and sometimes biopsies.

The goal is to track the cancer’s growth and progression, and to detect any changes that may require treatment. If the cancer remains stable, a man may be able to avoid or delay treatment altogether.

Delaying Treatment for Low-Risk Prostate Cancer

For men with low-risk prostate cancer, delaying treatment may be a safe and effective approach. Low-risk prostate cancer refers to cancer that is small, confined to the prostate, and growing slowly.

In many cases, low-risk prostate cancer may not even cause symptoms or other health problems during a man’s lifetime.

Studies have shown that delaying treatment for low-risk prostate cancer does not increase a man’s risk of dying from the disease.

In fact, some studies suggest that delaying treatment for low-risk prostate cancer may actually be associated with better outcomes, including a lower risk of side effects from treatment.

The Risks of Active Surveillance

While delaying treatment may be a valid option for some men with prostate cancer, it isn’t without risks. The biggest risk is that the cancer may progress while on active surveillance.

If this happens, a man may need to undergo more aggressive treatment, which can be more complicated and have more side effects than if the cancer was treated earlier.

Other risks associated with active surveillance include anxiety and stress related to living with untreated prostate cancer. Some men find it difficult to live with the uncertainty and worry about whether or not their cancer will progress.

Regular testing and monitoring can also be time-consuming and costly.

When Treatment is Recommended

While active surveillance is a valid option for men with low-risk prostate cancer, treatment may be recommended for men with intermediate or high-risk prostate cancer.

Intermediate-risk prostate cancer refers to cancer that has a higher chance of progressing and spreading beyond the prostate. High-risk prostate cancer refers to cancer that is more likely to spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones or lymph nodes.

If your doctor recommends treatment for prostate cancer, it’s important to carefully consider your options and the potential risks and benefits of each. Some common treatments for prostate cancer include:.

Surgery: A prostatectomy involves surgically removing the prostate gland.
Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells.
Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy may be used to shrink the prostate or slow the growth of cancer cells.

The Bottom Line

For men with low-risk prostate cancer, delaying treatment through active surveillance may be a safe and effective approach.

However, men with intermediate or high-risk prostate cancer may need to undergo more aggressive treatments to prevent the cancer from spreading. If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, it’s important to speak with your doctor about your options and the potential risks and benefits of each.