Monitoring prostate cancer

Monitoring means your doctor will keep a close eye on you rather than recommending active treatment straight away. You may feel fearful or angry about monitoring your cancer instead of receiving treatment. All treatments come with side effects, and your doctor will only recommend a treatment if they believe the benefits outweigh the risks for you.

Active surveillance and watchful waiting are monitoring approaches used when immediate treatment may not be necessary.

These approaches are offered to men with low-risk and some favourable intermediate-risk localised prostate cancer, or to men whose other health conditions make treatment less beneficial.

It’s important to remember that you have the final say. You and your family should be involved in decisions about monitoring, and you should feel fully informed and supported throughout the process.

This chapter contains general information about monitoring prostate cancer. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider for guidance on your individual medical situation.

The creation of this chapter was funded by Ferring Pharmaceuticals. Its content has been independently developed and approved by the EAU Patient Office.

Last updated: February 2026

Reviewed by: 

• Dr. Nikolaos Grivas (Guideline Panel on Prostate Cancer)
• Mr. Eamonn Rogers (Patient Office Chairman)
• Dr. Erik Briers (Patient Office EPAG)