Elevated Prostate Specific Antigen

A recent article in the NYTimes, shows a shift in early-stage prostate cancer treatment. Over the past few years, treatment for men with early-stage prostate cancer has dramatically shifted from surgery to surveillance. In the past, most early-stage prostate cancer patients chose to remove or treat the cancer with surgery or radiation. Only 15% of patients left their cancers alone and had regular monitoring or active surveillance to make sure the tumor was not growing. Now, about 40-50% of patients are choosing active surveillance of their prostate cancer. In 2011, the National Institutes of Health concluded that active surveillance is a good choice for patients with small non-threatening tumors. Active surveillance requires regular PSA blood tests to determine the state of the cancer. Though active surveillance is helpful, it is not for everyone. Speak to a medical professional about the best treatment for you.