Watchful waiting for prostate cancer

Watchful waiting is an option for men with small, early-stage prostate cancer which is slow-growing and isn’t causing symptoms. It is typically used for older people who are diagnosed with prostate cancer which isn’t expected to require treatment during their lifetime or for men with serious pre-existing health conditions. In some cases, it may also be offered as an alternative to active cancer treatments such as surgery or radiation therapy. Watchful waiting involves monitoring the prostate cancer through regular PSA tests, with treatment only occurring if the cancer progresses to help manage symptoms.