Although its cells are slow-growing, prostate cancer is highly treatable, especially in patients with localized disease. Most treatments for prostate cancer produce positive results. Statistics indicate that the survival rate for patients with early disease is 98%.
At times prostate cancer patients may not need immediate treatment. The doctors will recommend active surveillance in such cases. To many men, a prostate cancer diagnosis requires immediate action. But for some who have early-stage localized disease, treatment can be put off until the cancer grows. Active surveillance allows the doctor to monitor cancer growth and any other changes a patient may undergo. They will continue evaluating the patients to determine when further treatment should be administered. A recent survey observed that only a few of the men put on active surveillance actually complied with the guidelines to the end. Failing to follow protocol can put men at high risk. It allows cancer to advance without being detected and may require invasive treatment immediately. Men who qualify for active surveillance are recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network to receive some tests periodically, including biopsies, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests, and digital rectal exams (DRE). The test can be taken yearly or after every two years. If an anomaly is detected during the tests, urologists will discontinue active surveillance and recommend the patient to undergo treatment. Failing to follow up on active surveillance puts the patient at risk of their disease progressing outside the prostate. Sometimes patients can be underdiagnosed, and their cancer becomes aggressive that previously diagnosed. On the other hand, active monitoring can help patients to avoid treatments like surgery and other therapies with adverse side effects. Men must ensure their diagnosis is accurate. Considering a second opinion may be a good move that will help to determine if active monitoring is appropriate. The key to constant active surveillance is the attentiveness of prostate cancer patients and excellent communication from their physicians. There is a great need to follow the program until the end. Vigilance and proper patient education can help to keep patients active while on a monitoring program.
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AuthorAs the founder and medical director of the Prostate Seed Institute Dr. Gregory A. Echt. His vision to provide the most modern treatment, non surgical treatments for prostate cancer in various locations throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth continues to succeed. Now date, he has made a therapy for prostate implantation seed at over 2,500 men, including urologists and oncologists. Archives
December 2019
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