Men sometimes choose watchful waiting when the risks and possible side effects of surgery, radiation therapy, or hormonal therapy may outweigh the possible benefits.
Men who choose watchful waiting are offered treatment when symptoms occur or get worse. Watchful waiting may be advised for older men or for men who have prostate cancer and other serious medical problems. Also, watchful waiting may be suggested for some men who have prostate cancer that is found at an early stage and appears to be growing slowly.
Although men who choose watchful waiting avoid or delay the side effects of surgery and radiation, there can be negative aspects to this choice. Watchful waiting may reduce the chance of controlling the disease before it spreads. Also, older men should keep in mind that it may be harder to manage surgery and radiation therapy as they get older and develop other health problems.
Some men may decide against watchful waiting because they feel they would be uncomfortable living with an untreated cancer, even one that appears to be growing slowly or not at all. A man who chooses watchful waiting but later becomes concerned or anxious should discuss his feelings with his doctor. A different approach is nearly always available.
