What to expect from post-treatment surveillance for prostate cancer

Your clinician will explain how often PSA should be measured and how your result compares with earlier results. The meaning of a result depends on the treatment you received: surgery, radiotherapy, hormone treatment and other approaches can produce different PSA patterns. A single result is interpreted with your history and may lead to a repeat test or further assessment.

Appointments can also cover urine flow, leakage, bowel symptoms, erections, libido, hot flushes, mood, tiredness and bone health. Tell the team about pain, unexplained weight change or new symptoms so they can decide whether examination or imaging is needed.

Keep a record of PSA dates and results, prescribed medicines and symptoms. Mention supplements, changes in sexual or urinary function and any difficulty coping with treatment effects; support can include pelvic-floor care, sexual-health advice, continence services or emotional support.

Ask who reviews your PSA and how results will be communicated. For broader guidance, see [Prostate Cancer](/conditions/prostate-cancer/) and [Follow-Up After Cancer Treatment](/treatments/survivorship-and-rehabilitation/post-treatment-surveillance/).

Contact your care team promptly if urinary symptoms worsen, blood appears in urine or semen, you develop persistent bone or back pain, or you notice new weakness or numbness. Seek urgent care for inability to pass urine, severe pain, sudden leg weakness or loss of bladder or bowel control.

Ask what PSA pattern is expected after your treatment, when the next test is due, what result would prompt review, which treatment effects can improve, and who can help with continence, sexual function, exercise or emotional wellbeing.