Watchful waiting for early (localised) prostate cancer

This option is usually offered to older men, or those who aren’t fit enough for treatments such as surgery or radiotherapy, who have a slow-growing prostate cancer that’s unlikely to affect their natural life span. Some elderly men with early-stage prostate cancer will never need treatment because their cancer is very slow-growing and unlikely to cause symptoms.

You will be monitored, usually by your GP, to see if you have developed any new symptoms, such as difficulty passing urine or bone pain. You’ll also have regular blood tests to monitor your PSA levels and may have digital rectal examinations (DRE) and biopsies.

If you develop symptoms or your PSA level is rising your GP will refer you back to the specialist at the hospital, who will usually recommend hormonal therapy|. This can help to control the cancer. If there are no signs that the cancer is progressing it’s safe to continue watchful waiting.

Benefits: Many men who choose watchful waiting will avoid the complications and side effects of surgery| or radiotherapy|.

Risks: Some men find it difficult to accept that they have cancer but aren’t treating it. If the cancer begins to progress it’s usually treated with hormonal therapy, which is given to control the cancer but won’t cure it.