From Publishers Weekly
Recognizing that women commonly end up managing men's illnesses, the authors address their message primarily to women caretakers. Wainrib and Haber (co-authors of Breast Cancer: A Psychological Treatment Manual) draw on their experiences as therapists, interviews with patient/caregiver couples and consultations with specialists to compile advice on the psychological and physical problems that accompany prostate cancer. The approach is basically chronological, moving from detection through treatment to recovery. Although the authors provide substantial practical information to aid in decision making about diagnostic tests and treatments, the emphasis is on emotional issues. They offer numerous suggestions for coping with the fears and anxieties that are likely to arise not just from the illness and its treatment but from complications that may affect quality of life thereafter. Specific tips for dealing with impotence and incontinence are included. These tips, along with a list of questions to ask physicians, make this volume a solid reference for couples and individuals.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
With 175,000 new cases diagnosed and 40,000 deaths each year, prostate cancer has become one of the leading killers of men in the United States. Robert H. Phillips's Coping with Cancer (Avery, 1994), James Payne's Me Too: A Doctor Survives Prostate Cancer (WRS Pub., 1995), and Prostate: Questions You Have?Answers You Need (Wings Bks., 1994) are all excellent resources. Prostate Cancer, however, is the first work aimed primarily at the women who care for men with this illness. Because prostate cancer involves sex, incontinence, and intimacy, men are often reluctant to discuss it. By using a common-sense style and clear and compassionate language, this book helps both men and women cope with the disease. The authors clarify causes, effects, diagnoses, treatments, and emotional and psychological issues while providing significant data on types of tests and surgical techniques, as well as possible risk factors and symptoms. Personal stories help to make the subject easier to analyze, and information on support groups, treatment options, and a recommended reading list round out this valuable resource. An important contribution to patient education in this field; very highly recommended for public, academic health center, and consumer health collections.?Janet Marilyn Coggan, Univ. of Florida Libs., Gainesville
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.