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Active Surveillance Patients International


ASPI: A Place for Options and Peaceful Vigilance

Many men newly diagnosed with low-risk prostate cancer feel overwhelmed by uncertainty. We know, because we’re patients who have been there too.

Should you treat right away, or can you safely wait? What does Active Surveillance really involve? And how do you make sense of all the information coming at you?

Put on the brakes. ASPI exists to help men and families better understand Active Surveillance and feel more informed about their options.

Learn from men who have chosen and lived on Active Surveillance for years

Explore patient-friendly tools, videos, and educational resources

Hear from experts and use what you learn to support conversations with your doctor

We can’t provide medical advice, but we can share our experiences. We’re here to help you feel better informed, less alone, and more prepared to make decisions that fit your life.

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.

WE ARE THRIVERS

Patient Thrainn Thorvaldsson
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.

Patient Mark Lichty
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

PatientsYearsMonths
Mark Lichty213
Bill Manning172
Howard Wolinsky152
Geoff McLennan144
David King Keller122
Martin Gewirtz810

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.



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