Identifying the Best Follow up Approach for People Who Have Had Treatment to Cure Newly Diagnosed Prostate Cancer

Over 20,000 patients a year in the UK get surgery or radiotherapy to cure their prostate cancer. These men then undergo regular check-ups to manage potential side effects and see if cancer recurs so it can be treated quickly. The organisation of these check-ups varies across the country as it is not known which approach is best. The four different established approaches are (i) check-ups performed in hospital outpatients by the same team that provided treatment; (ii) patients seen regularly by their GP with hospital referral as necessary; (iii) planned shared care between general practice and hospital follow up; or (iv) patients supported to provide checks on themselves (self-care) and reaching out to a doctor or a nurse when required. This study will compare these options to establish which is best for patients and makes the best use of the NHS resources.