Consumer Connection Review
Prostate Cancer: A Patient's Guide to
Treatment
Written by prostate specialists
Drs. Arthur Centeno and Gary Onik, the book introduces readers to the concepts
of prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. The traditional forms of therapy -
surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and hormone therapy are covered extensively, focusing
on delivery methods, treatment and side effect/follow up issues. Profiled
anatomy diagrams effectively illustrate and explain the relation of the
treatment to areas in and around the prostate gland.
A unique element within this book is the inclusion of a
newer treatment option - cryoablation. The American Urological Association has
promoted cryoablation as a standard form of treatment in 2002 and Dr. Onik, the
book's co-author is considered a leader in this field. The book does an
excellent job outlining the history, process, advantages and disadvantages of
cryoablation while establishing patient criteria for this type of treatment.
Appendices provide a useful summary of 13 different treatment options for
prostate cancer which include definitions as well as the advantages and
disadvantages for each. Logically laid out with an easy reading style this book
would be a welcomed addition to a consumer health or patient education
collection.
Michelle Arbuckle
Librarian
Patient Education
Princess Margaret Hospital
Toronto, Ontario
