Re: Long-term Psychological and Quality-of-life Effects of Active Surveillance and Watchful Waiting After Diagnosis of Low-risk Localised Prostate Cancer

Abstract

Egger et al performed a 10-yr cohort study among 52–79-yr-old men diagnosed with low-risk localized prostate cancer. The objective of this research was to test permanent psychological and quality-of-life effects after active surveillance/watchful waiting and other specific active treatments.

Using several validated questionnaires and protocols, a total of 582 patients were interviewed and results of 341 (59%) of them were recorded. This research analyzed nine mental conditions and six quality-of-life states. Despite minor differences in psychological domains, particularly in bowel bother, hyperarousal, avoidance, distress, and urinary incontinence, no significant disparities were detected.