Prostate & Urinary Procedures
Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer
A safe, monitoring-based approach for low-risk prostate cancer. Use MRI scans and regular checks to stay in control of your health while avoiding the side effects of immediate surgery or radiotherapy.
Key takeaways
- A safe, monitoring-based approach for low-risk prostate cancer. Use MRI scans and regular checks to stay in control of your health while avoiding the side effects of immediate surgery or radiotherapy.
- Specialty: Prostate & Urinary Procedures
Very low
Risk of spread on surveillance
mpMRI
MRI-based monitoring
Outpatient
Monitored with PSA & MRI
Treatment Overview
About Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer
Active Surveillance (AS) is a way of monitoring prostate cancer that hasn’t spread and is considered 'low risk'. Instead of jumping straight into treatment, your medical team keeps a very close eye on the cancer using regular PSA blood tests and high-definition MRI scans. This is to avoid unnecessary side-effects. Often prostate cancer does not cause any harm for many years.
The standard has moved toward 'MRI-based' monitoring. This means we use advanced multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) to spot any tiny changes early. This ensures you only start treatment if the cancer shows signs of becoming more active, allowing many men to avoid invasive procedures entirely while staying perfectly safe.
Safety Information
Benefits, Risks & Side Effects
01
Benefits
The biggest benefit is protecting your quality of life. By choosing surveillance, you can avoid or delay the side effects often linked to surgery or radiation, such as changes to your sexual function or bladder control.
Our 'MRI-first' approach also means you are far less likely to need frequent, uncomfortable biopsies. You get to stay in control of your health with a plan that is proven to be as safe as immediate surgery for low-risk cases.
02
Risks
The main risk is that the cancer could grow or become more aggressive between your scheduled check-ups. While our modern MRI monitoring is incredibly accurate, there is a very small risk (less than 1%) that the cancer could begin to spread outside the prostate before we start treatment. If your specialist needs more information, they may suggest a repeat biopsy, which carries a small risk of temporary discomfort or infection.
03
Side Effects
Because Active Surveillance isn't a physical treatment like surgery, it doesn't cause physical side effects like leaking urine or trouble with erections.
The most common side effect is 'PSA anxiety.' It is completely natural to feel a bit uneasy about living with a cancer that isn't being 'removed.' Our team is here to support you through these feelings, providing clear data from your scans to give you peace of mind.
What We Treat
How Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer Can Help You
This treatment is effective for a wide range of health needs. Select a condition below to learn more about how we can support your recovery and improve your daily well-being.
Patient Journey
What to Expect
A step-by-step guide through your Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer journey—from preparation and what happens during the procedure to recovery and aftercare.
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Before Procedure
Before you begin, you will have had an assessment which lead to the diagnosis of a low-risk prostate cancer. This may have involved:
A baseline PSA blood test.
A high-quality mpMRI scan.
A targeted biopsy to confirm the cancer is low-risk and suitable for monitoring.
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During Procedure
Your monitoring is tailored to your specific risk level:
Blood Tests: You will usually have a PSA test every 3–6 months.
MRI Scans: Depending on your results, you’ll have an mpMRI scan every year.
Specialist Reviews: You’ll meet your consultant to discuss your results. We only suggest a repeat 'Targeted Biopsy' if your MRI shows a change or if your PSA levels are rising steadily over time.
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After Procedure
As long as your results stay stable, you simply continue with your monitoring schedule. We may discontinue if your tests show the cancer is becoming more active (known as progression), your specialist will discuss 'curative' treatments with you. You will be offered suitable treatment options which remain highly effective and can be started immediately.
If you reach an age or general medical condition at which prostate cancer will not cause you any further harm or radical treatment options are no longer indicated.
Specialists
Specialists for Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer
Leading experts for this treatment. View profiles to see clinical backgrounds and current availability.
Our Commitment
Care you can trust
Every treatment is delivered to the same standard: senior consultants, a personalised plan, and the safety of an accredited private hospital behind you.
Consultant-Led Excellence
Receive evidence-based treatments delivered by senior NHS consultants in a professional, specialist setting.
Personalised Care Plans
Your consultant will design a bespoke treatment plan tailored to your specific health goals and lifestyle.
Hospital-Grade Safety
We operate within leading private hospitals, adhering to strict CQC safety and technology standards.
A Heritage of Trust
Our partners bring decades of NHS and private experience, successfully managing thousands of patient cases.
Trusted Resources
Trusted Patient Resources
Patient Guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this treatment and what to expect.
3 questions
Yes. Extensive 15-year studies (such as the ProtecT trial) show that for low-risk, localised prostate cancer, the survival rate for Active Surveillance is nearly identical to that of immediate surgery or radiation. Because these cancers grow so slowly, we can safely monitor them and only intervene if they show signs of changing, avoiding years of unnecessary side effects.
Reviewed 2 Mar 2026
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In 2026, the 'MRI-first' approach has significantly reduced the need for routine repeat biopsies. Instead of having a biopsy every year, we now use annual mpMRI scans as a filter. You will typically only need a repeat biopsy if the MRI shows a new suspicious area or if your PSA levels show a concerning upward trend.
Reviewed 2 Mar 2026
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Anxiety is a valid reason to choose treatment. While AS is medically safe, quality of life includes your mental well-being. If 'watchful waiting' causes significant stress, you can choose to move to active treatment (like surgery or radiation) at any time, even if the cancer hasn't progressed. We recommend discussing these feelings with your urology team.
Reviewed 2 Mar 2026
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