What to expect with active surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer?

This is such an important decision, and it sounds like you're taking a thoughtful approach to exploring your options. Active surveillance can be a very reasonable choice for many people with low-risk prostate cancer, allowing time to monitor while preserving quality of life. The regular monitoring typically includes PSA blood tests, physical exams, and sometimes repeat biopsies to track any changes over time. Many community members have shared valuable perspectives on weighing factors like current health, age, family history, and personal preferences about treatment timing - hopefully others will chime in with their experiences to help guide your decision-making process.

Hi Donald. I'm 71 years old and 5 months ago got the same diagnosis. I Choose surveillance because my private doctor told me that my stage 1 (0.8) prostate cancer is slow growing. I don't see the need to submit my body and mind to chemo or radiation toxic side effects. Many people died of other non cancer related illness with stage 1 low progressing cancer. I rather enjoy my current level of health than submit to treatment that is not needed yet. Stage 2 cancer when is confined in the prostate posed no life-threatening unless its grow to stage 3. If that happens, at that time I will seek more than one opinion about the best treatment outcome. I'm seen my oncologist every 6 months to monitor my PSA and a biopsy with my Urologist once a year. I'm traveling with my wife and pets and relaxing knowing that God is watching over me.