Your Guide to Prostate Cancer

The Prostate Cancer Book

4th Edition Out Now

Welcome to the Fourth Edition of Your Guide to Prostate Cancer – The Disease, Treatment Options and Outcomes.

Congratulations on your commitment to seeking more information about this condition which affects so many men around the world. I can only assume that either you, or someone close to you, needs to know about prostate cancer and you hope to increase your knowledge about the condition. This book is an in-depth, yet simple to follow guide.

An earlier book I co-authored, Your Prostate – Questions Answered, was written to simplify this very complicated topic. My aim then was to help someone with no prior information about this disease develop a clear understanding.

The First Edition of Your Guide to Prostate Cancer was released in August 2003 by the Deputy Prime Minister. The Second Edition in 2006 launched by the Federal Minister of Health. The Third Edition in 2010 by General Sir Peter Cosgrove AK CVO MC.

All along, we continue to experience significant changes in the technologies that have developed. In addition, the way we think about this disease continues to evolve. It seemed time again re-work the book, after 11 years and update the material. I have reviewed the current state of information to present as balanced a view as I can. Hopefully, I have achieved that goal.

This book is written in several parts. Initially, as a background to the prostate gland itself and what constitutes cancer, specifically, prostate cancer. Beyond that, some of the options offered for the treatment of this condition in its various stages, including the advantages and disadvantages of the treatments involved.

I also welcome the generous contributions of many colleagues who have worked to support this work.

Furthermore, I thank the many people who have written and commented along the way. Where possible, I have tried to incorporate changes that have been suggested. I have also included some discussion on good health practices including diet principles and nutritional supplementation. I hope that you enjoy reading this book as much as I continue to enjoy researching and writing it. While it has been hard work to get to this stage, I hope you will find the information helpful. More importantly, I sincerely hope you are able to use it in your personal circumstances to achieve a favourable outcome.

Prostate Cancer Book - Your Guide to Prostate Cancer
A/Prof Prem Rashid

I congratulate you once again for taking charge of your prostate health care. Using the information in books like this one, as well as other information sources, and working closely with your doctors and health-care providers, can only improve your overall health care and help you achieve your outcomes. Always check information you come across in any material, including this book, with your doctor(s).

I sincerely hope that this book fulfills for you, the purpose for which it was written. If you have suggestions to improve this book or have information that you feel would be helpful, please let me know.

Prem Rashid

“The experience of prostate cancer is for most men and their partners a confusing and stressful time. Up-to-date and to the point information about diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation is essential. Now in its Fourth edition, ‘Your Guide to Prostate Cancer’ by Associate Professor Prem Rashid is a valuable and important resource for people affected by prostate cancer to help signpost the way about what to expect, what questions to ask, and how to prepare. Highly recommended reading for men and their families.”

Professor Suzanne Chambers AO
Executive Dean, Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University.

“Prostates are better when you don’t have to notice them. Most people never want to think or talk about prostates, and especially not about prostate cancers. But for those times when you do need to, Prem Rashid’s book will be a great resource: comprehensive, accurate, detailed, up-to-date, and easy to read.”

Professor Ian Davis
Chair, ANZUP Cancer Trials Group. Professor of Medicine, Monash University and Eastern Health Head, Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences Medical Oncologist, Eastern Health, Melbourne.

“This edition again provides clear contemporary information for men concerned about the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. Once again chapters cover all aspects of prostate cancer co-written by experts in these areas and with clear summaries at the end of each chapter.”

Professor Villis Marshall AC
Chair, Australian Commission for Safety and Quality in Health Care. Member, Audit and Risk Committee SA Health and Well-being. Member, Health Services Charitable Gift Board. Past President of the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand.