Table of Contents
Introduction V
Preface vii
Part 1 The Basics 1
Questions 1-10 describe the anatomy and function of the prostate, introduce the concept of prostate-specific antigen testing, and discuss some of the potential warning signs of prostate cancer:
What is the prostate gland and what does it do?
Do women have a prostate gland and PSA?
What are the signs and symptoms of an enlarged prostate (either cancer-related or benign)?
Part 2 Prostate Cancer 11
Questions 11-23 describe prostate cancer and address concerns about who is at risk for prostate cancer, including:
What is prostate cancer?
How common is prostate cancer?
What are the risk factors for prostate cancer, and who is at risk? Is there anything that decreases the risk of developing prostate cancer?
Part 3 Evaluation for Prostate Cancer 31
Questions 24-40 discuss how to screen for and detect prostate cancer:
How do you detect prostate cancer?
What is prostate cancer screening?
Will my insurance cover prostate cancer screening and treatment?
Part 4 Prostate Cancer Staging 51
Questions 41-45 describe how cancer is "staged" so that an appropriate treatment can be determined:
How does one know if the prostate cancer is confined to the prostate?
How and why does one stage prostate cancer?
What is a bone scan?
Part 5 Treatment of Prostate Cancer 63
Questions 46-86 outline the many options for treatment and management of prostate cancer, including:
Why do I need a team of doctors to treat me? Who are they?
What options do I have for treatment of my prostate cancer?
How do I decide which treatment is best for me?
Part 6 Complications of Treatment 157
Questions 87-92 address some of the side effects and complications that can occur with prostate cancer treatment:
Are there any predictors of recurrence of prostate cancer after "curative" therapy?
What happens if the PSA is rising after radiation therapy or radical prostatectomy?
My doctor has recommended that I be involved in a clinical trial. What is a clinical trial?
Part 7 Social Effects of Prostate Cancer 193
Questions 93-100 discuss some of the day-to-day problems that might arise in coping with prostate cancer:
I don't have a job or insurance. How can I get my prostate checked?
Are there support groups for men with prostate cancer, and if so, how do I find out about these?
I've never thought of dying before, but now that I have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, I think about it and wonder if there are things that I should be doing to prepare myself for the inevitable.
Appendix 205
A list of websites, organizations, and literature to help prostate cancer patients and their families find additional resources on general and specific topics related to prostate cancer.
Glossary 215
Index 235
