If your cancer is advanced or higher-risk, you will probably need treatment right away. Signs of higher-risk cancer include:
- PSA value that is quite high or rapidly rising.
- Test results show that the tumour is outside the prostate gland. Or the tumour is growing rapidly and is likely to spread outside the gland.
- Gleason score is high-risk.
Ask your team if your cancer shows any of these signs. If so, active surveillance may not be a good choice.
Talk to your cancer (oncology) care team.
Your team is an important source of advice. Some may benefit from having a low-risk tumour treated right away, even if they might have side effects. Discuss your treatment options and quality-of-life issues with your team.
Choosing a treatment for prostate cancer:
Most with low-risk prostate cancer have time to think about their choices. These tips may help you reach a decision.
Review your health history. Give your cancer care team your full personal and family medical histories. Ask how your age and general health could affect treatment. Ask if you have any condition that might increase the risks of treatment, for example, conditions such as diabetes, heart problems, or bowel disease might increase your risk of sexual, urinary, or bowel problems.
Think about your values. Discuss these questions with your spouse or partner:
- Do I want to get rid of my cancer, even if I might have sexual or urinary problems?
- Which side effects would upset me most?
- Would I be okay with active surveillance, even if I am worried and have to see a health care provider more often?
Find out all of your treatment options. Ask your health care providers about each choice, including benefits and side effects. Some health care provider only suggest the option they know best. Typically:
- A radiation oncologist can discuss active surveillance and radiation treatment.
- A urologist can discuss active surveillance and surgery.
Talk about your choices with your health care provider.