This deceptively small paperback punches way above its weight compared to some of the existing hefty tomes on prostate cancer. It is an admirable effort at delivering content pitched at both the lay reader as well as the medical graduate.
Aimed at the discerning reader who seeks meaningful information following a diagnosis of prostate cancer, it provides a clear narrative at about the level of a popular science article and in doing so achieves a global reach. The author is an Emeritus Professor of academic urology at the University of Queensland, Australia who is well known for his advocacy of patient empowerment through education. It uniquely also serves as a succinct, well-referenced overview of prostate cancer for residents and trainees without assuming prior urology knowledge.
The first four chapters delve into the anatomical and functional aspects of the prostate and deliver an overview of the mechanisms of carcinogenesis and cancer progression with great clarity: this is content that remains current in the fast-changing world of cancer knowledge. Some sections may seem perhaps a tad technical for the average non-medical mind, but it is fairly easy to pick up the thread later on in the text. There are particularly strong chapters on localised treatments and androgen therapy, both underpinned by clear explanations of basic physiologic mechanisms, clinical decision-making processes, and the consequences of treatment choices. I would certainly recommend the section on castrate-resistant prostate cancer for an excellent overview of the current state of the art. The book has been written from a personal perspective derived from years of experience and academic practice and provides a comprehensive overview of a complex subject area.
