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Watchful waiting should not be looked upon as an excuse for doing nothing. The whole point of watchful waiting is that it should only be practiced when it is thought that other treatments would not be in the best interests of the patient. If the cancer cells are few, non-aggressive & contained within the prostate capsule and/or if the patient does not want to have aggressive therapy, i.e. a total prostatectomy for instance; then careful monitoring of the situation with three monthly psa's to ensure that any change in the aggressiveness of the cancer cells are quickly apparent is a suitable alternative for the patient who is aware of the situation and prefers to avoid treatment with its obvious side effects, unless essential. The thinking behind this is that not all prostate cancers will prove fatal and many men die from other causes whilst 'having' prostate cancer.

There is nothing to stop you trying a diet change, as per the prevention page. Although there have been no trials etc remember, 'you are what you eat'.

Whatever your medic might say you might not wish to live the rest of your allotted span if you feel there is a likelihood of being impotent or incontinent following radical or hormonal treatment. Your neighbour may not have such a priority in his life and therefore his views would be totally opposite to yours; i.e. he would be content to have a total prostatectomy or hormone treatment regardless of any loss of potency etc., as long as he felt he was controlling the cancer cells. It is essential that you only make a decision after you have the fullest information on all the tests and treatments together with the various side effects.

The PHA strongly recommend the book Prostate Cancer to ensure that you gain that full knowledge. No book can be bang up to date we also suggest you subscribe to the PHA Quarterly Newsletters which will bring you up-to-date with the latest treatments plus of course give you the opportunity to read about other men with prostate cancer and if you wish write to them to see if their experience will help you in dealing with your choices.