Urologie pro praxi 2/2025
Psychosocial aspects of active surveillance for prostate cancer
For selected patients with low-risk prostate cancer (PC), active surveillance (AS) represents the method of choice aimed at delaying or avoiding radical treatment. However, AS can cause anxiety and uncertainty. Patients also often receive insufficient, confusing, and difficult-to-understand information, leading to anxiety and stress. Psychosocial support and interventions focused on lifestyle improvement can play a key role in managing uncertainty and enhancing patients‘ confidence in AS. Patient and family education is essential, as it also reduces stress and improves cooperation. Patient support groups and psychotherapeutic interventions may be beneficial for patients experiencing psychological distress related to AS. This review article focuses on the psychosocial aspects of AS and interventions affecting psychosocial burden.
Keywords: prostate cancer, active surveillance, psychosocial support, lifestyle.
