It should be noted that short-term increases in PSA may be due to variables other than cancer. The severity of prostate cancer is measured by stage and grade. The stage refers to the tumor size and spread. Grading is usually done with the Gleason rating system. A low Gleason rating is better than a high Gleason rating.
Underwriters generally prefer surgical removal of the prostate to other treatment methods.
However, due to the slow growth of the cancer, and due to the side effects of surgery, some physicians may recommend a treatment course that may include observation only. In general, the older the individual at time of first diagnoses and the lower the stage and grade of the cancer, the less radical a procedure is frequently recommended by physicians. This is true especially in individuals with an active lifestyle that may be significantly hampered by either incontinence or impotence. Cases where the cancer has not been removed are generally much harder to underwrite. Prostate cancer, if diagnosed and removed very early, can lead to standard rates shortly after surgery.