A recent article in The New England Journal of Medicine concluded that watchful waiting is a reasonable option for men with localized early prostate cancer, especially if their life expectancy is less than 10 years. Men that are in their fifties or sixties, are likely to improve their life expectancy with treatment. Microscopic evaluation of the biopsy specimens can be helpful in classifying the cancer as to its potential for spread. There are presently several different options for treatment. Twenty-nine percent of patients choose no treatment.
Younger patients are more likely to undergo a prostatectomy.
If the cancer is confined to the prostate gland, then the 15-year survival after a prostatectomy is equivalent to a person that is the same age, but doesn't have prostate cancer. Chodak G, et al. Results of Conservative Management of Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer. Holleb A, et al. Cancer of the Prostate.