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Men's Health
Taking charge of prostate cancer
What you should do when following active surveillance.
- By Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch
- Reviewed by Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing
More men with low-risk prostate cancer choose active surveillance over immediate treatment with radiation, hormonal therapy, or surgery. With active surveillance, men monitor their cancer and don’t seek treatment unless it becomes worse.
"Active surveillance can help men analyze their situation before deciding to have invasive procedures and treatments, which can lead to side effects that can affect quality of life and may not improve life expectancy," says Dr. Frank McGovern, a urologist with Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital. "But it is also an opportunity for men to re-evaluate their lifestyle and make changes that may improve their cancer prognosis and ensure their life is the healthiest it can be."
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About the Author
Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch
About the Reviewer
Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
You might also be interested in…
2023 Annual Report on Prostate Diseases
Most men eventually develop some type of prostate problem, and when they do there are usually no easy solutions. More than a primer on prostate conditions, this Special Health Report, the Annual Report on Prostate Diseases, includes roundtable discussions with experts at the forefront of prostate research, interviews with men about their treatment decisions, and the latest thinking on complementary therapies. This report will provide you with the information you need to understand the current controversies, avoid common pitfalls, and work with your doctor to make informed choices about your prostate health.
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