VA System Sees Sharp Rise in Watchful Waiting for Low-Risk Prostate Cancer

A study of the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System found that active surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer jumped from 27% in 2005 to 93% by 2024, and from 14% to 61% for favorable intermediate-risk disease. The shift aligns with growing evidence and guideline support, though Black and Hispanic men were less likely to receive this approach. Rates varied widely across individual VA facilities, ranging from 23% to 93%.