Watchful waiting

Watchful waiting means monitoring your cancer. If you have any treatment it will be to control the cancer or manage any symptoms, rather than trying to cure it.

If your PSA level rises or if you develop symptoms, you will be referred back to your cancer specialist. 

Watchful waiting may be a suitable option if:

• Your prostate cancer isn’t causing any symptoms or problems
• You have other health problems that would make other treatment options difficult
• Treating your prostate may not help you to live longer
• Your prostate cancer is not likely to cause any problems during your lifetime or shorten your life
• If you have made the decision not to have any treatment

Monitoring

• You will have regular blood tests to check your PSA levels and sometimes digital rectal examinations done by your hospital or GP.
• You will be monitored for new symptoms such as new changes when passing urine (peeing), other urinary symptoms, new back or bone pain, leg weakness or unexplained weight loss.
• Most people only have 2 appointments a year.

If things change

• If your PSA level rises or if you develop symptoms, you will be referred back to your cancer specialist. 
• You may have treatment to
  manage your symptoms but treatment will not cure the cancer.