Study: Prostate Surgery Boosts Survival

Men with prostate cancer may live longer if they have surgery rather than “watchful waiting,” a long-term study suggests. The benefit was strongest for younger men and those with medium-risk tumors. At the time the study began, the PSA test was not widely used. Most men were diagnosed because they had symptoms or a lump in the prostate. The study included nearly 700 Swedish men with prostate cancer. They were randomly assigned to receive prostatectomy (removal of the prostate) or no immediate treatment. In the next 23 years, 56% of the men in the surgery group and 69% in the watchful-waiting group died. Prostate cancer was the cause of death for 18% of the surgery group and 29% of the other group. Men in the surgery group also were less likely to have their cancer spread or to need anti-hormone treatments. The most benefit occurred among men who were under age 65 when diagnosed.