Product Description

A Primer on Prostate Cancer, The Empowered Patient's Guide] is a basic resource to be used by patients and physicians when there has been a diagnosis of prostate cancer. It outlines a strategy of disease management that is designed to maximize outcomes for the patient and his loved ones. All aspects of diagnosis and testing are discussed; all currently approved treatments for prostate cancer are described. Discussion of treatment options includes information on side effects and includes questions the patient may not think to ask his doctor. Discussions of various treatments include the salvage therapies that might be employed if primary treatment fails. There is an extensive section on the theory and practice of androgen deprivation therapy in its various forms, since many patients have need of this type of information. There is a discussion of "Treatments on the Horizon" for the patient who is interested in the ongoing research in the world of prostate cancer. This is a current, comprehensive guide to prostate cancer presented in understandable terms with a user-friendly color format that will help the reader educate himself about prostate cancer. The book strives to help patients and their loved ones to combat ignorance and fear, replacing that with the empowerment of education.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #8434 in Books
• Published on: 2005-02
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: .69" h x 5.54" w x 8.70" l, 1.27 pounds
• Binding: Paperback
• 368 pages

From the Publisher
The book provides critical information and guiding principles to empower a prostate cancer patient, therefore to optimize his chances for a successful outcome. We believe this book provides very current and up to date information regarding the latest testing and treatment innovations in the world of prostate cancer. It is written to appeal to readers at many different levels, from the newly diagnosed, to the serious student of prostate cancer.

The Primer is enriched with case studies in the format of Physician’s Notes to emphasize key concepts. Space is provided throughout the text for the reader to jot down notes. It is printed in full color and includes 139 graphics. This alone sets it apart from many other health books. Fully indexed and referenced, with a resource list, a glossary of terms and several other useful appendices, it is a valuable reference book for patients and their doctors.

From the Author
A Message from Stephen B. Strum, M.D.

A diagnosis of prostate cancer can be frightening and confusing to the newly diagnosed man and to his loved ones.

A Primer on Prostate Cancer, The Empowered Patient’s Guide, which I co-authored with Donna Pogliano, was written to replace fear and confusion with the empowerment of education.

The book constructs a strong foundation of knowledge about the disease and its consequences. Beginning with elementary discussions of the impact of the disease, the role of loved ones, the importance of understanding the nature of prostate cancer and the importance of the medical record, it builds on this foundation with a discussion of information gathering and the basics of prostate cancer. With this foundation established, information on diagnosis and testing is presented, as well as an extensive chapter on treatment options.

A Primer on Prostate Cancer provides the reader with a strategy for successful disease management drawn from decades of experience in treating and counseling patients. Co-author Donna Pogliano, partner of a prostate cancer warrior, contributes the patient’s perspective throughout the book. The reader thus has the benefit of the expertise of the physician within the context of the insights of the patient.

The patient who is empowered through understanding has the best chance for a successful outcome. Using the Primer as the basis of a solid education in the complex world of prostate cancer, the patient can maximize the potential for understanding prostate cancer and for becoming successfully involved in managing his own care.

About the Author
Dr. Stephen B. Strum

Dr. Stephen B. Strum began his medical oncology practice in 1973. He collaborated with Dr. Fernand Labrie in 1983 on the use of combined androgen blockade in the treatment of prostate cancer- six years prior to FDA approval of Eulexin® (flutamide) and Lupron® (leuprolide). As a result of this pioneering work, his entire oncology practice was soon focused solely on prostate cancer.

A member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the American Urological Association (AUA), Dr. Strum has presented original clinical research at the annual meetings of both organizations. He has authored papers on the anemia of androgen deprivation and its correction with erythropoietin, androgen deprivation syndrome, and intermittent androgen deprivation.

In 1996, 1997, 1999 and 2000, Dr. Strum planned and moderated, as well as participated in, four national prostate cancer conferences – directed primarily at the PC survivor and his partner. He has volunteered his services in many forums to counsel patients regarding their course of treatment. An online service he helped to create is called p2p, or Patients to Physicians. In October 1996, Dr. Strum co-founded the Prostate Cancer Research Institute (PCRI) and was the main contributor to its Web site and newsletter (PCRI Insights), and was the principal educator of the PCRI Helpline staff. He is a sought after lecturer, author and consultant. Above all, he is passionate in his care of and for patients with prostate cancer.

Dr. Strum and his wife, Miwha, currently live in Playa del Rey, California.

Donna Pogliano

Donna Pogliano is the partner of a warrior in the battle against prostate cancer. In the process of attempting to provide comfort and good counsel to subscribers of various Internet mailing lists, the idea for A Primer on Prostate Cancer was born. Many of the suggestions for material in the Primer came from men who have experienced prostate cancer and from their partners. The Primer is an attempt to consolidate the wisdom of their experience in one conveniently accessed location.

Since many men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer have no access to the Internet and e-mail information, the goal was to publish a print version of the Primer to be distributed for those men and their families. With the realization of this dream, all newly diagnosed men have access to this information that those who have experienced prostate cancer feel is indispensable.

Donna Pogliano is the recipient of the National Prostate Cancer Coalition’s Mary Lou Wright Distinguished Leadership Award, honoring her work in raising awareness through the Governor’s Prostate Cancer Proclamation Project. She has also been inducted into the Honorary Order of the Walnut for her work as a prostate cancer activist.

Donna Pogliano lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with her son, Gian, and with her favorite patient and prostate cancer poster boy, Dick.