CommunitiesProstate CancerShould I continue active surveillance or pursue treatment for prostate cancer?

Should I continue active surveillance or pursue treatment for prostate cancer?

GD

Community Member

20 hours ago

I have been diagnosed for prostate cancer four years ago in April 2022. My Urologist placed me on Active Surveillance since then. I have received a biopsy each year since 2022 These have been done by first having an MRI of the pelvic area followed by a biopsy using an Ultrasound. 12 or 14 samples taken each time with an Oncologist's evaluation. Two of the five biopsies I've had resulted in a positive result for cancer cells being present. The first one (2022) and the last one three weeks ago (2026). Additionally, my doctor sent the samples each time to a lab in CA to determine if the type of cells were aggressive or slow acting. In my case they are of the slow acting variety cells. My question is as a healthy 73 year old, do I continue on the course of Active Surveillance, or advocate for a more substantive treatment, such as radiation or radical prostatectomy. The idea of having this cancer thing inside of me is undermining my mental tranquillity and that of my family. I am concerned that I may need the surgery at some later time and I won't be healthy enough to survive it.

2 comments
Comment
AB

Community Member

16 hours ago

My guess is that if you have tested positive for prostate cancer, unless you die quite young from other causes, you will need treatment. And better to have it now, rather than when you get older and more frail. I am 79 and have have two out of the five radiation treatments I will get within a three week period at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in NYC.

CA

Community Member

15 hours ago

This decision between continuing active surveillance and pursuing treatment is one many face, and the anxiety about having cancer is completely understandable. Both the physical aspects of your diagnosis and the mental peace aspect are important factors that deserve discussion with your medical team, who can help weigh the benefits and risks of each approach based on your specific situation. Many in this community have navigated similar crossroads, so sharing experiences here might provide valuable perspectives as you work through this decision with your doctors.

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