Prostate Cancer: A Family Consultation [Paperback]

Philip Kantoff (Author), Malcolm McConnell (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 15, 1996

The introduction of the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test has led to a sharp increase in the number of diagnosed prostate cancer cases. However, the treatment decision process has not improved along with the technology for detection. Doctors seldom have the time to assess the unique needs of every case and devise plans accordingly, and patients are all too often caught up in a rapid and confusing chain of events that leaves them vulnerable.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In a compassionate guide, Prostate Cancer: A Family Consultation, oncologist Philip Kantoff, M.D., (with freelance writer Malcolm McConnell) steers both the patient and his family through the sometimes bewildering maze of screenings, diagnosis and treatment of the most common cancer diagnosed in American men. Kantoff explains the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test, which has led to increased early diagnoses of the disease and alternatives to surgery. He also clarifies how treatment affects quality of life and lists options available to those with advanced forms of prostate cancer. (Houghton Mifflin, 244p ISBN 0-395-71823-6; Nov.)
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Kantoff, a medical oncologist at Harvard's Dana Farber Cancer Institute, specializes in treating and consulting men with prostate cancer (PCa). In this new guide, he draws on his broad professional expertise and cites examples from case histories to explain clearly the facts of PCa. Kantoff helps afflicted men and their families decide on which of the confusing array of therapeutic treatments (from benign neglect to radical surgery) may be the best for them by discussing these therapies in easy-to-comprehend terms. Along with Kent Wallner's Prostate Cancer (LJ 4/1/96) and Marc Garnick's The Patient's Guide to Prostate Cancer (LJ 6/1/96), Kantoff's book is among the outstanding titles on this dreaded male disease written from a physician's perspective that libraries should acquire. For a patient's viewpoint, Michael Korda's Man to Man (LJ 4/15/96) and James Payne's Me Too (LJ 4/15/95) are excellent choices. [See also "An Rx for Men's Health Collections," LJ 1/96, p. 53-56.?Ed.]?James Swanton, Harlem Hospital Lib., New Yor.
-?James Swanton, Harlem Hospital Lib., New York
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 244 pages
• Publisher: Mariner Books (November 15, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395718236
• ISBN-13: 978-0395718230
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,594,920 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A very frank, clear and thorough consultation, March 9, 2010

By 

L. A. Nilson ""Science Teacher - Retired&... (Edmonds, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: PROSTATE CANCER CL (Hardcover)

I give Prostate Cancer my highest recommendation and only hope there will a revision soon. The author is a medical oncologist deeply involved both in patient care and in research. He has written a very helpful guide in which he promises a compassionate consultation similar to what he gives his patients but with much more detail. Dr. Kantoff believes that guidance during this very confusing and frightful period in the lives of prostate cancer patients is vital. The writing is clear with very detailed explanations of each area. For example, his presentation of the anatomy of the prostate and supporting diagrams are outstanding. Also, a very helpful section on PSA is presented. He discusses the importance of the PSA test even though there are many uncertainties because of various factors that affect it. His presentation of the natural history of prostate and how this affects everything else - detection, diagnosis, staging, treatment and possible outcome - is excellent. Understanding the variability of prostate cancer is crucial in coming to terms with the disease and making a decision for treatment. His use of case histories is a wonderful way to see the applications of the information in real life situations. The last chapter, "Where to Turn for Help" focuses on the psychosocial support. It is a very sensitive presentation including some very helpful guidance both for patients and their wives. Dr. Kantoff lists some practical steps to help you through this difficult period.

Prostate Cancer: A Family Consultation is probably the clearest and most thorough book I have read during the period between my diagnosis of prostate cancer and the treatment I chose. I think I would choose to do some basic reading of pamphlets and booklets first. Then I would read this book and return to it as a primary reference. However, if it is fairly easy for you to read and understand medical writings, it would be an excellent place to start and will probably serve as your basic "guide book". You will feel that you have had a very frank, clear and thorough consultation.PROSTATE CANCER CL