Official Review: An ABC of Prostate Cancer in 2015

[j p gilbert]

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "An ABC of Prostate Cancer in 2015" by Alan G Lawrenson.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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According to the World Cancer Research Fund, “Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide.” [1] Their figures indicate that globally, there were 1,112,000 new prostate cancer patients diagnosed in 2012. If nature has dealt you, or someone very dear to you, a terrible misfortune where your future has just got very insecure indeed, then reading Lawrenson’s “An ABC of Prostate Cancer in 2015 – My Journey over 4 continents to Find the Best Cure,” may guide you through the minefield ahead.

The World Cancer Research Fund considers a number of contributing factors when determining the possible causes of prostate cancer. Primarily, they point to age, genetics, obesity and height, and once Lawrenson started to notice his symptoms, he was odds on to be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Especially as Lawrenson was born a South African male and both his father and brother had previously been diagnosed. Therefore, by the time he reached “the right age,” he was, in his own words, "pre-conditioned to receiving bad news.”

Lawrenson was considered a leading authority after forty-six years in the commercial science and medical equipment industries. He had reviewed endless scientific papers and journals, had attended countless conferences at a government body level, and it was his "way of working" to source the best available treatment, which probably was not available in his father’s day. This led to the production of this outstanding work for all future prostate cancer sufferers to benefit from.

Lawrenson's book is in three parts: his diagnosis; a technical review of the current available treatment; and his choice of treatment. It is written is such a beautiful way and his command of the written word converses so eloquently with the reader. It is not a "how I recovered from prostate cancer" diary, nor is it a journal or medical publication. It is a shoot-from-the-hip no-holds-barred journey. Lawrenson delivers on the most difficult personal issues and answers very awkward and embarrassing questions, which some readers may prefer to have stayed between themselves and their urologist. But he empathises with the reader. He has been where the reader is now and takes their hand and lets them know that he has their back, metaphorically speaking.

For me, Lawrenson’s book is an experience that will stay with me forever. I did not approach this book in the same way as a doctor or as a medical student would. I am not an academic or a research body. I am a layman –Joe Public and it made perfect sense to me. I did not read it in the conventional sense either, that is from start to finish. I jumped about. I read part one, three and then two because I thought the medical information might be to technical or hard going. Oh boy was I wrong!

In part one, Lawrenson openly discusses his diagnosis and its impact on his emotion and physical wellbeing. He also mentions his frustrations with doctors who “only want you to know what they think you should know.” It is apparent that he wants patients to be aware of all available treatment options so they can self-manage their treatment plans with their choice of the most experienced and successful urologists. With this in mind he breaks down complicated issues surrounding the detection, grading and staging of prostate cancer and talks freely of known acquaintances' treatment and associated side effects. He makes reference to their lack of awareness of alternative treatment and suggests this may be the preferred treatment option of the consultant.

Part two is the medical section. If you are a doctor, student or from a research body, then the depth of information will bring you up to date. In addition, following the comprehensive library of resources and references will keep you busy for a while. However, if you are a prostate cancer sufferer, you will be grateful for it. Honesty, I can only imaging the hours of research involved in producing this work. From the simplest treatment to the most cutting-edge, Lawrenson presents his findings in such a way that all readers from all walks of life will be able to understand it. He explores detailed descriptions of the most common treatments and presents the benefits, side effects, possible prognosis from a treatment plan and even provides a list of recommended questions to ask the consultant. Incidentally, where there is a subset of a particular treatment, for example, the various forms of radiotherapy, he discusses each variation in the same level of detail.

After considering a wealth of options, enduring endless urologist appointments and a mass accumulation of air miles, Lawrenson in part three, is finally considering implementing his treatment plan. In his unique style, he still does not pull any punches. He touches on the associated cost - financial and personal, the benefits of Proton Beam Therapy, which must surely outweigh the financial burden placed upon the medical institution and then talks the reader through the weeks of his treatment sessions, where each session takes longer to set up than it does to deliver the actual treatment.

For some, prostate cancer is not always a happy ending. It can be years of suffering and worry. This book will have an effect on the life of those who read it. May I suggest one last recommendation: read chapter fifteen before any other. This is where Lawrenson talks to the reader similar to that of a father figure and profoundly expresses himself and subconsciously acknowledges the support from his wife, family and friends. He suggests a support network is essential. I believe it to be critical.

For me, though, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It provides hope through an awareness of choice. Despite not being a doctor, Lawrenson gives excellent advice. The reader is able to learn the language of the urologist and will be able to self-manage their illness more confidently.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars and wish it changes your life. It did mine.


Sources
World Cancer Research Fund. Online at wcrf.org/int/cancer-facts-figures/data- ... statistics accessed 22/12/2015.

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An ABC of Prostate Cancer in 2015
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Like j p gilbert's review? Post a comment saying so!

[marsupial]

j p gilbert. Thanks for the thorough review that you have posted. Reviews like yours provide great motivation for authors. Alan Lawrenson

-- 27 Dec 2015, 18:54 --

[j p gilbert]

You are welcome. I was thoroughly engrossed in your journey of discovery. I hope your book goes viral and changes lives. It is such an key topic and your work is so important.

[Tanaya]

I don't have a need for this book, but I would recommend it to anyone I knew who could use the information. Regardless, I think it's amazing that the author shared such a personal experience and I hope that this book helps those who need it. Great review!

[j p gilbert]

Thank you. I enjoyed reading the book, but it was about a terribly impacting subject matter. It was a technical review from Lawrenson. Yet, it read like a journal. So clever. I can see it would help so many people.

[LivreAmour217]

Nice, well-written review! I have tremendous respect for the author for sharing his story!

[j p gilbert]

Nice, well-written review! I have tremendous respect for the author for sharing his story!

Thank you. I takes a lot to rise above the "self," especially in these circumstances, and think of others.