What influences men on active surveillance?

To better understand the psychosocial needs of prostate cancer patients who undertake active surveillance (AS) and the type of support needed to increase their adherence to the program, a research team from British Columbia explored factors that influence their decision-making. They interviewed 25 patients with low-risk disease on AS. Among the elements men described as affecting their decisions were:

• being told by a specialist that the cancer is inactive, especially if this was confirmed by another specialist
• the specialists’ professionalism, expertise and research profiles
• hope that new treatments might be available if required in future (even among elderly patients or those with other medical conditions)

The study concluded that most men on AS relied on the recommendations of the specialists they consulted and didn’t seek other sources of support or treatment. In general, men were able to carry on with their normal lives and didn’t experience undue distress associated with AS.