Related topics for further reading
Monitoring
Monitoring means your doctor will keep a close eye on you rather than recommending treatment straight away. You may feel fearful or angry about monitoring your cancer instead of receiving treatment. All treatments come with side effects, and your doctor will only recommend a treatment if they believe the benefits outweigh the risks for you.
There are two types of monitoring. Check with your doctor which type you are being offered.
The goal of active surveillance is to avoid unnecessary treatments and side effects for men who don’t need treatment right away. If your doctor has recommended active surveillance, it means you have prostate cancer, which has been found at an early stage. Your doctor does not expect that the cancer will cause you any symptoms or problems right now.
Active surveillance can last for many years if your prostate cancer risk doesn’t go up, but it involves following a regular schedule. This includes PSA tests, prostate checks, and possibly MRI scans or repeat prostate biopsies.
A biopsy is a test where a doctor takes a tiny piece of tissue from your body to see if there is any disease, like cancer. The doctor usually takes the sample from a lump or a spot that looks strange. After that, the tissue goes to a lab, where experts look at it closely to check for any problems. This helps the doctor understand what is going on and what kind of treatment you might need.
Up to half of men on active surveillance never need treatment. If the tests show that your tumour is growing or changing at any stage, you will be offered treatment. Your treatment options, such as surgery, will aim to cure the cancer.
The aim of watchful waiting is to delay or to avoid the side effects of treatment. This approach is used when treatment is not likely to help or when the risks of treatment are greater than the benefits.
If your doctor has recommended watchful waiting, you may not be well enough to have surgery or radiotherapy. It could also be because your doctor does not expect that the cancer will cause any problem in your lifetime. Your doctor will prepare a follow-up plan with you, including what checks and tests you will have and how often.
Some men on watchful waiting may still need treatment. If the tests show that your tumour is growing, or the cancer cells have started to spread to other organs, you will be offered treatment. The treatment offered will aim to control the spread of the cancer and manage any symptoms you have.
This chapter contains general information about prostate cancer treatments. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider for guidance on your individual medical situation.
The development of this chapter was funded by Ferring Pharmaceuticals. Its content has been independently developed and approved by the EAU Patient Office.
Last updated: May 2025