Stage 04
When Treatment Becomes the Appropriate Path
Not every man diagnosed with prostate cancer will enter Active Surveillance.
Some cancers are diagnosed at a stage or risk level for which treatment should be considered from the beginning. Other men may initially enter Active Surveillance and later develop clinical, pathological, imaging, or other evidence that leads their healthcare team to recommend reconsidering the management strategy. Some men may also choose treatment after informed discussion of their circumstances, priorities, risks, and preferences.
PASS Beyond AS exists for these men. Its purpose is not to determine which treatment a person should choose—that decision belongs within informed discussion between the patient and appropriately qualified healthcare professionals.
PASS can instead help the individual understand what has changed, prepare for consultations, consider second opinions where appropriate, understand treatment options and quality-of-life considerations, prepare psychologically and physically, and continue safe healthy-living practices alongside appropriate medical care and recovery.
Moving beyond Active Surveillance is not failure. Active Surveillance is a management strategy, not a promise that treatment will never become necessary. If the biology changes, the management strategy may need to change with it.