2013 Annual Report on Prostate Diseases (Paperback)

Most men eventually develop some type of prostate problem, and when they do there are usually no easy solutions. The three most common prostate problems are benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, and prostate cancer. Men with the same condition and symptoms might opt for very different treatments -- or choose to do nothing at all.

A number of exciting new treatment options have emerged for prostate diseases, including new medications and refined surgical techniques. But daunting challenges remain. A major disappointment has been in the area of chemoprevention -- an approach that uses drugs or supplements to try to reduce risk of prostate cancer. Two leading contenders -- 5-alpha reductase inhibitors and vitamin E supplements -- not only don't seem to prevent prostate cancer but actually may increase risk of developing it. And in a major development, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has recommended against routine prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening -- arguing that for most men screening does not save lives and causes more harm than benefit.

That's why this unique publication is more than a primer on prostate conditions; it includes roundtable discussions with experts at the forefront of prostate research, interviews with patients about their treatment decisions, and the latest thinking on complementary therapies.

The goal of this publication is not to relate easy answers. Rather, our mission is to provide you with the information you need to understand the current controversies, avoid common pitfalls, and work with your doctor to make informed choices about your prostate health.