The Prostate Answer Book: Remedies and Cures for Every Man and What Your Doctor Never Tells You about Surgery

James Metz, MD
Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania
Last Modified: March 9, 2010

Author: FC&A with J. Curtis Nickel, M.D.
Publisher: FC&A
Price: $32.96 (includes shipping and handling); Phone ordering only: 1-800-226-8024
ISBN: 1-890957-02-X
OncoLink Rating:

The Prostate Answer Book has been written by a group of editors at FC&A under the direction of J. Curtis Nickel, M.D. as medical advisor. Dr. Nickel is a well-accomplished Professor in the department of Urology at Queen's University. This book has been written as a general guide to the prostate gland and the benign and malignant diseases with which it is associated.

Although much of the book deals with benign diseases of the prostate, it does contain some good information relevant to the prostate cancer patient. There is a good section on the PSA blood test and prostate cancer screening. The staging system, Gleason Score, and PSA levels are all explained in relation to prognosis and treatment options. The pros and cons of radical prostatectomy versus external beam radiation therapy versus interstitial implantation are all discussed in some detail. There are certainly some biases towards surgery in this book regarding the treatment of early stage prostate cancer since the medical advisor is a surgeon.

There is some good information regarding the side effects of cancer therapy including incontinence and impotence. There are charts and checklists throughout the book to help the reader discuss problems more effectively with their doctor. The book also contains a list of organizations and support groups for various prostate conditions including cancer. There is an excellent section containing commonly prescribed drugs for prostate problems.

The Prostate Answer Book is recommended by OncoLink as a reference for benign and malignant diseases of the prostate gland.