Risks

Risks of active surveillance for prostate cancer include:

• Anxiety. You may be anxious and have a sense of uncertainty about the status of your cancer.
• Frequent medical appointments. Men who choose active surveillance must be willing to meet with their doctors every few months.
• Cancer growth. The cancer can grow and spread while you wait. If cancer spreads, you may miss the window of opportunity for effective treatment.
• Fewer treatment options. If your cancer spreads, you may have fewer options for treatment. Your treatment options may be more drastic than treatments used for very small cancers.