Watchful Waiting for Prostate Cancer

Watchful waiting for prostate cancer may be a viable treatment option if the risks and possible side effects of treatment outweigh the possible benefits. The doctor may recommend this option if you are older or have other serious health problems. Watchful waiting for prostate cancer may also be recommended for men who are diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer that seems to be growing slowly.

Prostate Cancer Treatments

Watchful Waiting for Prostate Cancer: An Overview

Several treament options are available for men with prostate cancer. The treatment that is best for one man may not be best for another.

In addition to watchful waiting for prostate cancer, other treatment options include:

Radiation therapy (see Radiation Treatment for Prostate Cancer)
Hormone therapy (see Prostate Cancer Hormone Therapy)
Surgery (see Prostate Cancer Surgery).

In addition, you may have a combination of treatment for prostate cancer.

Watchful Waiting for Prostate Cancer: The Specifics

Watchful waiting is based on the premise that cases of localized prostate cancers may advance so slowly that they are unlikely to cause men any problems during their lifetimes.

You may choose watchful waiting for prostate cancer if the risks and possible side effects of treatment outweigh the possible benefits. Your doctor may offer this choice if you are older or have other serious health problems. Your doctor may also suggest watchful waiting if you are diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer that seems to be growing slowly. Your doctor will offer you treatment if prostate cancer symptoms occur or get worse.

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