Prostate Cancer: the facts

Abstract Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men. Figures from the US show that the average male stands a one in five chance of developing prostate cancer in his lifetime. Prostate cancer is an illness that kills 10,000 men a year in the UK, with 25,000 new sufferers being diagnosed each year. It is therefore not surprising that prostate cancer is one of the most feared of all illnesses affecting older men. However, the illness remains controversial in both treatment and diagnosis. For anyone worried that they are suffering from prostate cancer, or anyone who has been told that they have a high PSA count, this is a source of great anxiety. How is it diagnosed? What does a high PSA count mean? At what point is surgical treatment necessary, and what are the risks and side effects of such treatment? Prostate Cancer: The Facts is written by two of the leading experts on this illness. In a clear and accessible style, they answer the many questions that those at risk from the illness will have. Throughout the book they advocate a ‘watch and wait’ approach to treatment and discuss the problems inherent with diagnosis and treatment. This is a book that all men (and their partners) should read.