The Watchful Waiting Approach in Prostate Cancer Treatment

Posted by Dr. Gregory Echt on December 19th, 2019

Prostate cancer is most prevalent in men. But the risk of dying from this disease is very low, even for those who don't undergo treatment. Many men diagnosed with prostate cancer die from other conditions such as heart disease and not prostate cancer.

Over the past years, a lot of breakthroughs in prostate cancer treatment have produced better outcomes for patients.

One way of monitoring prostate cancer that hasn’t presented symptoms or discomfort to the patient is through watchful waiting. This method helps to keep an eye on a patient’s progress and avoid unnecessary treatment.

Patients on watchful waiting are those that treatment cannot help live long. They might be having other health problems and may not be fit to undergo surgery or radiotherapy. If your prostate cancer will not cause you problems during your lifetime, then watchful waiting is the way to go.

Many treatment options for the disease have adverse side effects that can impact the patient's life in the long term. It is important to determine whether a patient really needs treatment or not before making any decision. The doctor should explain all the options to the patient and help them to make an informed decision about treatment.

When you decide to be under watchful waiting, you will not undergo any treatment until symptoms such as bone pain and problems with urinating begin to show. This will help you avoid the adverse side effects that come with treatment. In some men under watchful waiting, prostate cancer can be aggressive than expected. But most of them may not need treatment at all.

Prostate cancer is a slow-growing disease. While on watchful waiting, you can minimize your risks by changing your lifestyle and eating habits. Many studies have confirmed the effects of diet on one's prostate health. They believe that a low-fat diet made of vegetables, fruits, and fiber can help to prevent prostate cancer. Try to avoid high-fat foods with animal fat in large amounts.

For those whose cancer grows and start presenting symptoms, you will have to start treatment right away to control the disease and manage the symptoms.

About Author

Dr. Echt and his team at the Prostate Seed Institute offer the most highly sophisticated methods of radiation therapy available in the United States, equal to that found in major medical center and academic settings. These include prostate seed implantation, high dose radiation implants, and external beam radiation with image-guided and intensity-modulated (IGRT and IMRT) capabilities.