Be informedto choose the best path for you
Active Surveillance or Treatment?For Prostate Cancer
OUR NEXT VIRTUAL MEETING
Gleason 3+4: Why Not All Sevens Are Created Equal
Join us October 24 for a conversation about the “gray zone” of Gleason 3+4 prostate cancer with radiologist Matthew Davenport, MD, pathologist Jesse McKenney, MD, and urologist Tudor Borza, MD. Together, they’ll look at how pathology, MRI, and real-world outcomes can help distinguish more favorable Gleason 3+4 disease from cancers that may warrant treatment — and what those differences may mean for men considering or already on Active Surveillance.
EXPLORE ASPI RESOURCES
Explore a few of ASPI’s interactive tools and educational resources designed to help men on Active Surveillance feel more informed and supported.
THE PATHWAY EBOOK
Read ASPI’s patient-friendly guide to understanding Active Surveillance and the decisions that may come with it.
Check it out here
ASPI CLINICAL TRIAL FINDER
Search by keyword and location for clinical trials relevant to men on Active Surveillance. We pull live data on the latest trials around the world, so you can easily find current information that’s relevant for your journey.
Explore the Trial Finder
ASPI VIDEO SHORTS
If you’re newly diagnosed, exploring treatment options, or simply want reliable information in plain language, these short videos offer expert insights on Active Surveillance, prostate MRI, biopsy, PSA, and more.
Watch the ShortsWE ARE THRIVERS
Thrainn’s Story
In my opinion, my greatest personal accomplishment was to undertake extensive research on my own, followed by choosing AS. When I was diagnosed with PC at the age of 61, my doctors strongly recommended that I undergo traditional treatment. Surgery was at the top of the list.
Mark's Story
Eighteen years ago, I was diagnosed with Gleason 6 prostate cancer at the age of 55 – and, against the advice of five medical professionals (including my wife, a nurse practitioner) I chose not to have intervention.
Years on Active Surveillance
| Patients | Years | Months |
|---|---|---|
| Mark Lichty | 21 | 5 |
| Bill Manning | 17 | 4 |
| Howard Wolinsky | 15 | 4 |
| Geoff McLennan | 14 | 6 |
| David King Keller | 12 | 4 |
The following ASPI directors have now entered treatment:
- Thrainn Torvaldsson after 14 years of Active Surveillance.
We share this to help reassure you about the choice you have made—or may be considering. Active Surveillance is chosen not only to avoid or delay side effects, but also to allow time for treatments to evolve.
In Thrainn’s case, our Icelandic board member who was diagnosed nearly two decades ago, waiting meant options improved. Had he been treated at diagnosis, he would likely have received more aggressive treatment than what was ultimately needed years later—thanks to advances in care over time.
LEARN ABOUT THE PREDICT PROSTATE TOOL
Predict Prostate is an evidence-based tool for men with early, non-metastatic prostate cancer who are weighing Active Surveillance and treatment. It provides personalized estimates based on your cancer details, age, and overall health, helping you compare options more realistically and calmly.
Articles and Resources
What Should You Do If Your PSA Goes Up?
Why one higher PSA result rarely tells the whole story. If you’re on Active Surveillance, seeing your PSA go up can be worrying. It’s easy to look at one higher … Read More
The Knowledge to Participate in the Decision: One Patient’s ASPI Story
Sometimes the clearest way to understand the value of good information is through the experience of someone who has had to use it. The following story was shared with ASPI … Read More
Being Your Own Advocate on Active Surveillance
Being your own advocate doesn’t mean becoming your own doctor. It means staying involved enough to understand your diagnosis, follow your monitoring plan, ask useful questions, and say when something … Read More