Stephen B. Strum - A Primer on Prostate Cancer: The Empowered Patient’s Guide

Comments From Readers ofA Primer on Prostate Cancer, The Empowered Patient's Guide

The book contains the most current and relevant information to help the patient make well informed decisions to help get the best of medical care. It is well illustrated with many easy to follow diagrams and charts. In this book are found the nuts and bolts of what the patient needs to steer the course of (his) illness and ensure a safe passage.

Howard L. Waage, Santa Cruz, California, November 18, 2002

As a seven year prostate cancer survivor, I've read volumes about the subject and believe I've maintained a certain level of up-to-date knowledge. The Primer is the most comprehensive, current, and easy to read books on this subject that I've ever seen. Perfect for patient or partner, newbie to Prostate Cancer Specialist. There is something here for everyone on their own level.

Frank Teague, Cape Coral, Florida, November 16, 2002

There are some good books on the subject matter out there. This one is in a different league and has more answers and content than any others I have seen. I have been using internet, newsletters and books to learn as much as possible...this book trumps them all.

- Robert Parsons, Davisburg, Michigan, March 11, 2004

The excellence and thoroughness of the content, the illustrations, the organization of the book, the ease of reading in understandable language--even the quality of the paper--absolutely perfect. I have told my fellow prostate cancer patients, both old and new, Throw away any other books you may have on prostate cancer. This is all you need.

- Bill Buckman , Northbrook, Illinois, November 15, 2002

This aptly named Primer, which is beautifully illustrated, covers in great detail everything from the intricacies of diagnosis to decision making about treatment options. And it does it in such a way as to educate and empower the reader/patient without frightening him/her to deathI would recommend this manual as THE first book to read when confronted with the prospect of prostate cancer. It is basic and thorough. Nothing is left unsaid. I kept telling my husband, This is the Little Golden Book of Prostate Cancer!

- Anne R. Brusca, Columbia, Maryland, October 21, 2002

What is the value of one's life? What is the value of optimizing a man's treatment? Of what value is knowledge to combat ignorance and to set a man's mind at ease? Answer: Priceless. This book contains information essential to anyone who wishes to take a active role in the management of his prostate cancer or that of a loved one. It literally could be a life-saver.

Gary Ferdinand, Apex, North Carolina, November 16, 2002

Dr. Stephen B. Strum began his medical oncology practice in 1973. He collaborated with Dr. Fernand Labrie in 1983 on the use of combined androgen blockade in the treatment of prostate cancersix years prior to FDA approval of Eulexin (flutamide) and Lupron (leuprolide). As a result of this pioneering work, his entire oncology practice was soon focused solely on prostate cancer.

A member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the American Urological Association (AUA), Dr. Strum has presented original clinical research at the annual meetings of both organizations. He has authored papers on the anemia of androgen deprivation and its correction with erythropoietin, androgen deprivation syndrome, and intermittent androgen deprivation.

In 1996, 1997, 1999 and 2000, Dr. Strum planned and moderated, as well as participated in, four national prostate cancer conferencesdirected primarily at the PC survivor and his partner. He has volunteered his services in many forums to counsel patients regarding their course of treatment. An online service he helped to create is called p2p, or Patients to Physicians. In October 1996, Dr. Strum co-founded the Prostate Cancer Research Institute (PCRI), and was the main contributor to its Web site ( www.pcri.org ) and newsletter (PCRI Insights), and was the principal educator of the PCRI Helpline staff. He is a sought-after lecturer, author and consultant. Above all, he is passionate in his care of and for patients with prostate cancer.

Dr. Strum and his wife, Miwha, currently live in Ashland, Oregon.

Donna Pogliano is the partner of a warrior in the battle against prostate cancer. In the process of attempting to provide comfort and good counsel to subscribers of various Internet mailing lists, the idea for A Primer on Prostate Cancer was born. Many of the suggestions for material in the Primer came from men who have experienced prostate cancer and from their partners. The Primer is an attempt to consolidate the wisdom of their experience in one conveniently accessed location.

Since many men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer have no access to the Internet and e-mail information, the goal was to publish a print version of the Primer to be distributed for those men and their families. With the realization of this dream, all newly diagnosed men have access to the information that those who have experienced prostate cancer feel is indispensable. Donna Pogliano is the recipient of the National Prostate Cancer Coalition's Mary Lou Wright Distinguished Leadership Award, honoring her work in raising awareness through the Governor's Prostate Cancer Proclamation Project. She has also been inducted into the Honourary Order of the Walnut for her work as a prostate cancer activist.

Donna Pogliano lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with her son, Gian, and with her favorite patient and prostate cancer poster boy, Dick.

The Empowered Patients Guide

Stephen B. Strum, MD, FACP

and

Donna L. Pogliano

Second Edition

Book and Cover Design
Diana J. Garnand, Visual Purple Graphics

Illustration (except where indicated)
Diana J. Garnand, David B. Hargreaves, and Stephen B. Strum, MD, FACP

Copyright 2005 Stephen B. Strum, MD, FACP and Donna Pogliano.

Published by The Life Extension Foundation, P.O. Box 229120, Hollywood, Florida 33022-9120.

All rights reserved. Printed in the United States. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission of the authors. All images in this book have been reproduced with the knowledge and prior consent of the artists concerned and no responsibility is accepted by producer, publisher, or printer for any infringement of copyright or otherwise, arising from the contents of the publication. Every effort has been made to ensure that credits accurately comply with information supplied.