Educational information only — not a diagnosis or treatment recommendation.
Content last checked: Jul 15, 2026·Sources & review
Active Surveillance
What is this treatment?
A structured monitoring approach used when immediate treatment may not be necessary, most commonly discussed in prostate cancer.
When doctors consider it
Considered for selected low-risk cancers where deferring treatment can avoid side effects without clearly worsening outcomes.
Potential advantages
- Avoids or delays treatment-related side effects
- Preserves options if disease changes
- Uses scheduled PSA, imaging, and biopsies as indicated
Limitations
- Requires reliable follow-up
- Anxiety during monitoring is common
- Not appropriate for higher-risk disease
Questions to discuss with doctors
- What risk features make surveillance reasonable for me?
- What triggers would move us from surveillance to treatment?
- How often will testing occur, and who reviews results?
Countries offering this option
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Australia
Cost considerations
Lower upfront treatment cost, but ongoing testing and visits accumulate over years.