Doctor Mark Soloway has a message he wants every man with prostate cancer to hear.

"We are finding these cancers smaller and smaller, and we know for sure that many of them would never need treatment in their lifetime," said Mark Soloway, M.D., urologic oncologist.

In fact, one report estimated about 25% of the men treated for prostate cancer do not benefit from the therapies. Doctor Soloway says a plan called "active surveillance" may be the best bet. It is not watchful waiting. Active surveillance requires a rectal exam and PSA every four months and a biopsy once a year. No surgery, no radiation, no treatment. It's not for everyone.

"I wasn't too happy about something growing every second of the day within me," said Ramesh Krishnaiyer.

So Ramesh Krishnaiyer chose surgery. It had risks but eased his fear.

"Sooner, the better. I needed to get it out," said Krishnaiyer.

For Terry Johnson, making it big with his group "The Flamingos" was easy compared to hearing he had cancer.

"It was just a frightful thing to hear 'cancer'," said Terry Johnson.

He was ready to undergo an experimental treatment when he met Doctor Soloway.

"He said, 'You will not die from this prostate cancer. It's not large enough.'"

So Johnson had no treatment, and instead chose active surveillance. It's been so far, so good after one year. Soloway is following about 200 men on active surveillance. He says some will eventually need to be treated, but not many.

"Only about 12% of the men have been treated. Eighty-eight percent have had no treatment yet," Dr. Soloway said.

A careful approach that's a welcome option for some.

For more information: Ivanhoe Broadcast News2745 W. Fairbanks Ave.Winter Park, FL 32789http://www.ivanhoe.comJulie Marks, Supervising Producer of Prescription: Healthjmarks@ivanhoe.comDirect Line: (407) 691-1500Viewer Line: (407) 740-0789 ext. 579