What happens if I don’t treat my prostate cancer?

If prostate cancer is not successfully treated when confined to the prostate, it can spread to lymph nodes or into to the bones of your body.  We call this type of progression metastatic disease.  If that happens, pain and disability can occur which influence the quality of life.  It can also cause problems that can alter the length of life.  There was a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2011 that compared men with treated prostate cancer versus men with cancer who were placed on an active surveillance protocol.   There was a benefit in life expectancy in the treated group.  However, everyone’s situation is different and having a honest discussion with a prostate cancer specialist can help you decide on the best course of action in your particular case.