Watchful waiting for locally-advanced prostate cancer

Watchful waiting means that your doctors will keep a close eye on you to see if the cancer is growing significantly or causing any symptoms. The monitoring may be done by your GP or the hospital doctor. At each visit you will be asked about your symptoms. The doctor may examine you, which may include a digital rectal examination. If your symptoms change, or your doctor suspects that the prostate is growing, further tests will be done. You are likely to have the PSA test repeated. X-rays, MRI scans and bone scans may also be needed.

If these tests show that the cancer is starting to grow, or if you develop more symptoms, your doctors will then discuss treatment options, such as hormone therapy, intended to control the cancer and improve its symptoms. If your cancer is not growing or developing, it is safe to continue with watchful waiting.

Benefits Many men who choose watchful waiting will avoid the side effects of treatments such as hormonal therapy.

Risks Some men find it difficult to just wait and see if their cancer progresses before starting any therapy. Some men will still need treatment  with radiotherapy  |or hormonal therapy| if their cancer shows signs of developing.