Localised prostate cancer, very low and low risk
Prepared with OnCo (onco.cc/prep/prostate-low-risk/). Orientation, not medical advice; your team knows your case.
My details
What I know, what is unclear, changes to discuss
Saved in this browserMy questions
16 on the sheet- 1.What is my exact diagnosis, stage, and grade, and which tests established them?
- 2.Which biomarkers have been tested on my tumour (for example PSA and PSA density, Gleason Grade Group 1 on biopsy, MRI PI-RADS score, Genomic classifier, Germline BRCA2 testing when family history warrants), and what were the results?
- 3.Which subtype is my cancer, and does that change the recommended treatment?
- 4.Is germline (inherited) genetic testing recommended for me or my family?
- 5.For my situation (very low and low risk, preferred), which of the standard options do you recommend and why?
- 6.How do the results of ProtecT apply to someone like me?
- 7.For my situation (low risk, men who prefer treatment), which of the standard options do you recommend and why?
- 8.How do the results of CHHiP and PACE-B apply to someone like me?
- 9.For my situation (diagnosis), which of the standard options do you recommend and why?
- 10.Am I a candidate for Decipher Prostate, ArteraAI Prostate, and what side effects should I expect?
- 11.How do the results of PRECISION apply to someone like me?
- 12.Are there clinical trials I could join, for example of ArteraAI Prostate, Decipher Prostate, Multiparametric prostate MRI (PI-RADS)?
- 13.Would a second opinion at a high-volume centre change anything, and can you help arrange it?
- 14.What supportive care (symptom control, nutrition, exercise, mental health, financial help) is available from the start?
- 15.I read that “Which Grade Group 1 cancers will upgrade, and whether Grade Group 1 should be called cancer at all”. How does that affect my plan?
- 16.I read that “How often to repeat biopsy on surveillance and whether MRI alone can replace it”. How does that affect my plan?
The words I may hear
- Gleason score / Grade Group: The pathologist's 1-to-5 grade of how abnormal prostate cancer looks, which drives most treatment decisions.
- PSA (prostate-specific antigen): A blood protein made by the prostate; raised levels prompt further tests, and falling levels show treatment is working.
Tests and results to bring
Diagnosis: MRI before biopsy and targeted plus systematic cores; genomic classifiers or AI pathology to refine surveillance decisions.
Biomarker results to ask for: PSA and PSA density, Gleason Grade Group 1 on biopsy, MRI PI-RADS score, Genomic classifier (Decipher, Oncotype DX GPS, Prolaris), Germline BRCA2 testing when family history warrants.
Scans and tests linked to this cancer: Active surveillance, Multiparametric prostate MRI (PI-RADS), Digital pathology & AI, RNA sequencing & expression profiling.
Bring copies of scan reports, pathology and blood results, and a list of every medicine and supplement.
The treatments I may be offered
- Very low and low risk, preferred: Active surveillance with PSA every six months, MRI and repeat biopsy; treatment only on progression to Grade Group 2 or more. (Active surveillance, ProtecT, Multiparametric prostate MRI (PI-RADS), PSA (prostate-specific antigen), Gleason score / Grade Group)
- Low risk, men who prefer treatment: Radical prostatectomy, moderately hypofractionated external beam radiotherapy, five-fraction stereotactic radiotherapy or brachytherapy, without hormone therapy. (Robotic & minimally invasive surgery, Hypofractionated radiotherapy, SBRT / SABR (stereotactic radiotherapy), Brachytherapy, CHHiP, PACE-B)
From the standard of care recorded for this cancer; which apply depends on your stage and biomarkers. Ask which the team recommends and why.