There is no “right choice” for every person.

Many factor in the opinions of both their healthcare team members and loved ones.

But ultimately, the choice is yours.

Doctor explaining anatomical model to patient in hospital

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Some choose to start treatment soon after diagnosis.

Others may opt for active surveillance, which only involves monitoring the cancer.

Watchful Waiting

Watchful waiting is an alternative for people to avoid treatment unless the person notes symptoms.

Doctor Discussion Guide Man

Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.

Declining Treatment

Other people choose not to have cancer treatment at all.

What Happens If I Don’t Treat Prostate Cancer?

Cancer is easiest to treat when it is just in the prostate.

The first sites of spread are typically the tissues around the prostate.

Cancer cells can enter the blood vessels and lymphatic channels.

Cancer can also make its way through the capsule that surrounds the prostate.

Summary

Untreated prostate cancer can grow and spread to other parts of the body.

Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.

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American Cancer Society.Treating prostate cancer.

Prostate Cancer Foundation.Palliative care for advanced prostate cancer.

National Cancer Institute.Cancer stat facts: prostate cancer.

Prostate Cancer Foundation.Prostate cancer staging.

2019;20(10):2587.

Published 2019 May 27. doi:10.3390/ijms20102587