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Prostate Cancer Surveillance After Treatment

Regular follow-up care is vital for all prostate cancer treatment approaches to ensure early detection of cancer progression or recurrence, to manage side effects, and to address quality-of-life issues.

2 Minute Read
Updated 1 month ago

This is an opportunity for you to discuss any concerns or lifestyle changes that can improve your overall health. The specific schedule and type of follow-up may vary based on your initial treatment, cancer characteristics, and your individual patient factors.

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After Surgery (Post-Radical Prostatectomy):

  • PSA Testing: After surgery, PSA levels should become undetectable. Regular PSA tests, usually every six to twelve months, are essential to monitor for any increase, which could indicate a recurrence.
  • Follow-up Visits: Initial follow-up visits are typically scheduled every three to six months for the first few years and then annually. These visits may include physical examinations and discussions about urinary and sexual function. Side effects like incontinence or erectile dysfunction are addressed, and appropriate referrals to specialists like urologists or physical therapists are made, if needed.

 

After Radiation Therapy:

  • PSA Testing: PSA levels are monitored to assess the response to treatment. Unlike surgery, PSA levels after radiation do not drop to zero but should decrease and stabilize at a low level, often below one.
  • Follow-up Visits: Visits are usually scheduled every three to six months for the first couple of years and then less frequently. These visits include assessing for any side effects of radiation. Any rare long-term side effects of radiation, like urinary issues or bowel changes, are monitored, and treatments or supportive care are provided as needed.