The most basic treatment for prostate cancer is active surveillance or “watchful waiting,” which means doing nothing more than keeping an eye on the situation, typically by returning to the doctor routinely for examinations to make sure the disease has not taken a turn for the worse. Active surveillance is typically reserved for older men who have non-aggressive cancers. The theory behind this approach is that older men with less aggressive prostate cancer will likely die of other causes before the cancer itself become life-threatening, so there is no need to take aggressive action. Lifestyle considerations such as the risk of ED and incontinence may also be taken into account when considering active surveillance based on your age, health and stage of disease.
However, as noted by Dr. Peter Carroll, co-director of Urologic Center at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center, younger men who have small, low-grade tumors can be put on active surveillance as well. Although their slow-growing tumors may eventually need treatment, younger men often prefer to delay treatment so they can avoid side effects as long as possible and also so they can complete their families or other important life events.
Not taking aggressive action, however, does not mean sitting back and throwing down the pizza and beer. You should still take immediate steps to improve the health of your prostate by following The Prostate Diet and the 6 Pillars of Prostate Health that have been shown to reduce the risk of developing cancer or allowing the cancer to progress to a more advanced form. This includes maintaining a healthy weight, focusing on low-fat foods, enjoying lots of fruits and vegetables, managing stress and exercising regularly as well as many other healthy changes to your lifestyle and dietary habits.
See also
My Doctor Has Me On Watchful Waiting, Now What?
Questions To Ask About Watchful Waiting / Active Surveillance [PDF]
Can Finasteride and Dutasteride Prevent Prostate Cancer?
Related Blog Posts
101 Ways to Love Your Prostate
46 Things to Avoid for Prostate Health
Reference
Transcript of an interview with Dr. Peter Carroll, at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center. Source: http://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/active_surveillance_for_prostate_cancer/
