Cancer Times

A book review of ‘Cancer Times’ by Magnus Irvin £12.99 ISBN: 9781 83849 9105 Available from: www.cancertimes.net This slim movingly, and often hilariously, describes one man's experience with prostate cancer details his sometimes traumatic journey through diagnosis, surgery, medical treatments radiotherapy. As the author himself points out, is discussed in military terms, referring to ‘battle’ that has ‘fight’ ‘struggle’ defeat disease. Those who suffer it are described as ‘victims’ those beat ‘survivors’. indeed a survivor, since he presented an initial PSA value high 68ng/ml. Men frequently find difficult talk about cancer, or even listen others talking it, consequently lack support social networks women create response breast gynaecological cancer. Not so Magnus: candour refreshing concise, descriptive text entertaining illustrations succeed stated aim ‘de-mystifying alien world hospitals, doctors encourage educate other men their families going this frightening occasionally absurd process’. gives honest riveting personal account many dilemmas faced cancer: surgery versus radiotherapy? Post-operative radiotherapy simply monitoring PSA? How manage erectile dysfunction common sequela radical prostatectomy, especially sizeable primary tumour prostate, which makes nerve-sparing more difficult? That speaks positively all nurses involved care surely tribute NHS urological teams cared for him, should reduce anxiety diagnosed most prevalent I definitely commend clinicians look after individuals newly both read themselves recommend patients unenviable position having decide how, when where be treated.