Invasion of the Prostate Snatchers: An Essential Guide to Managing Prostate Cancer for Patients and their Families
There are at least half a million reasons--the number of prostate cancer diagnoses in the U.S. and Europe--to read this engaging diary/resource written from the alternating perspectives of doctor and patient. But those who've faced any cancer crisis should also take heed--and heart--from cultural anthropologist Blum, who's lived with prostate cancer for two decades, and oncologist Scholz, an associate clinical professor at USC School of Medicine, who champions "testosterone inactivating pharmaceuticals" for earlystage disease--these reduce levels of testosterone, which prostate cancer cells need to grow. Among cancers, prostate cancer "is the best deal in town," Blum argues--a slow-growing cancer that demands a slow-go approach, second opinion, and, in his own case, a decision to do no more than watch-and-wait. He then gamely examines his own fear-driven homework on standard and alternative treatments: prostatectomy, cryosurgery, radiation, chemicals, and alternative approaches like Eastern medicine and lifestyle changes. Yet in the end, Blum notes, it's the "insight and involvement of the individual" that makes the difference in a patient's outcome. Here's good advice based on the brave experiences of two compatible souls and medical mavericks.Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.