Active surveillance
Active surveillance means holding off treatment and instead monitoring your condition closely with tests like blood tests and scans.
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Having active surveillance / active monitoring
Active surveillance means holding off treatment and instead monitoring your condition closely with tests, such as blood tests and scans.
The tests you have will depend on your type of cancer. You can start treatment as soon as you need it, but you may not need treatment for many years, if at all.
Active surveillance means you can avoid or delay unnecessary treatment and treatment side-effects that can affect your quality of life.
- It is very important to go to all your appointments so that any changes are spotted early.
- Write the date and time down on a calendar or set a reminder on your phone.
- If you cannot attend your appointment then make one for another day by contacting the clinic in the hospital and speak with your cancer nurse specialist.
- If you are planning to live or travel abroad, let your consultant know. They will be happy to put you in contact with someone there who can continue your follow-up.
What are the benefits of active surveillance?
- No treatment-related side-effects, for example, sexual side-effects from hormone therapy or hair loss from chemotherapy
- Does not interfere with your everyday life
- You can avoid unnecessary treatment – you may never need treatment
What are the drawbacks of active surveillance?
- You may feel anxious or worried about your cancer changing. We have advice on coping with anxiety.
- Repeat tests and investigations are needed, which can be stressful.
- The cancer may grow more quickly than expected.
- The tests are usually good at picking up changes, but there’s a slight chance that changes in your cancer may not be picked up.
Who can have active surveillance?
Active surveillance is usually only an option for slow-growing (low-grade or low-risk) cancers. With a faster-growing cancer, your doctor will want to start treatment to get the cancer under control.
During the surveillance, you may feel anxious or worry about your cancer changing.
This can be worse at times leading up to scans and follow-up appointments.
If active surveillance makes you feel very anxious it may not be the best choice for you. Or you may need extra support to help you manage your feelings. Support groups, complementary therapies like mindfulness or massage and counselling may all help you.
If you change your mind after starting surveillance you can talk to your doctor about starting treatment.
We have advice on coping with anxiety.
Read more about getting emotional support.
Questions to ask about active surveillance
- What tests will I have?
- How often will I need to have tests?
- What changes in my tests mean I will be advised to start treatment?
- What treatments could I have if my cancer grows?
- Can I start treatment if I change my mind?
More information on active surveillance
For more information
Phone
1800 200 700
