2014 Active Surveillenace Prostate Cancer Report

Active Surveillance

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. Approximately 1 in 7 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Many of these cancers will be small and slowly growing (low risk) and can be monitored without treatment (Active Surveillance).

Adoption of active surveillance has been slow across the country. Marin General Hospital has been on the forefront of active surveillance. Back in 2010, our rate of active surveillance for all newly diagnosed prostate cancers was over double the national average (24% vs. 10%). Our rate of active surveillance has continued to increase.

Our multi-disciplinary team offers the option of active surveillance to all appropriate patients.

As an American College of Surgeons (ACOS) accredited Comprehensive Community Cancer Program, we have studied our active surveillance outcomes for the past 10 years and developed a multidisciplinary program to monitor and support patients on active surveillance.

Rates of Active Surveillance in Prostate Cancer Patients (All Risk Groups) Diagnosed at Marin General Hospital and Throughout the USA in 2010

Our rates of active surveillance for low risk prostate cancers have increased over the past 10 years. Between 2005 and 2010, the rate of active surveillance in low risk patients increased from 22% to 48%.

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Rates of Active Surveillance in Patients with Low Risk Prostate Cancer Diagnosed in 2005 vs. 2010

For patients undergoing active surveillance (diagnosed in 2005), 29% eventually underwent treatment by 5 years (2010). This is a rate similar to active surveillance programs in large academic centers.

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Conversion from Active Surveillance to Treatment

At Marin General Hospital, we have a dedicated program for patients undergoing Active Surveillance, consisting of:

  • a Multidisciplinary prostate cancer tumor board which reviews all new prostate cancer diagnoses
  • an Individualized risk assessment
  • Surveillance protocol based on latest data and guidelines
  • Utilization of latest technology and tests to assess risk and monitor cancer including color Doppler ultrasound, MRI, and genomic testing
  • a Nurse navigator to coordinate care and provide support
  • a Specialized program of nutrition, exercise and lifestyle changes through our Center for Integrative Health and Wellness (CIHW)

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