This leaflet answers common questions about remote monitoring for active surveillance of prostate cancer. If you would like further information, or have any worries, please do not hesitate to ask your nurse or doctor.

What is remote monitoring?

Remote monitoring means that you will continue to have regular blood tests to check your PSA levels, however instead of being scheduled regular telephone appointments to discuss the results, you will only be booked for an appointment if your results are abnormal. If your results are stable, you will receive a letter telling you your results are stable along with instructions on when to get your next blood test.

When will I start remote monitoring?

You will only begin remote monitoring when the clinical team have agreed that it is safe to do so. This will usually be after you have been on active surveillance for 12 months and there are no concerns about your repeat MRI scan.

How will I know if I have been put on remote monitoring?

You will only be put on a remote monitoring follow-up pathway after the process has been explained to you in detail by a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) in a telephone appointment.

How will I know when to get my next PSA test done?

After each review, you will receive a clinic letter and a blood form telling you when to get your next PSA test done. You will also receive a text reminder six weeks and four weeks before you are due to be reviewed by our clinical team so that you have time to book your blood test.

What if I don’t hear back after my blood test?

You should hear back from us every time you have had a PSA test either via post, email, or telephone. If you don’t hear back from us within three weeks of getting your blood test, please contact our prostate surveillance team to discuss this. Their contact details can be found overleaf.

What if I want to speak to a Clinical Nurse Specialist about my prostate cancer?

Please get in touch with our prostate remote monitoring support worker who will discuss your queries with a CNS and an appointment will be arranged if necessary. Their contact details can be found overleaf.

What if I have concerns about my worsening symptoms?

Localised (early) prostate cancer does not usually cause any symptoms. Therefore, if you are experiencing worsening lower urinary tract symptoms (i.e., problems relating to your bladder or urination), this is unlikely to be related to your low-risk prostate cancer, and you should contact your GP to support you with this.

There are specific symptoms that relate to the progression of prostate cancer. Please urgently get in touch to book an appointment with a CNS if you are experiencing any of the following:

  • Unexplained back pain, hip pain, or pelvis pain.
  • Blood in the urine or semen.
  • Unexplained weight loss.