When we decided to join forces to embark on the venture of writing this book, we had both for some time been following the peer-reviewed literature concerning prostate problems and in particular had done a fair amount of research into prostate cancer. Bill Ware had closely studied and followed developments in the diagnosis and conventional treatment of this disease, and Hans Larsen had researched alternative methods for prevention and treatment. We both had read numerous books on cancer and prostate cancer in particular and had, somewhat surprisingly, reached the conclusion that no one book covered the entire spectrum of problems. Some books written for the lay audience were excellent in explaining conventional treatment methods, others were quite comprehensive in their discussion of herbs and supplements that might prevent cancer, but none, it seemed, really provided the whole gamut of information necessary for a man who wants to take charge of his own health and, along with his physician, make reasoned decisions regarding diagnostic options and possible treatments of prostate problems. Prostatitis and benign prostate enlargement (BPH), although affecting millions of men, did not seem to be covered very well, perhaps because conventional treatment, certainly in the case of prostatitis, is often less than satisfactory.
So our mission was clear, to write a book that covered the three major prostate problems – prostatitis, BPH and cancer – from etiology to therapy, including both alternative and conventional measures of prevention and treatment. The intended audience includes laymen who want to be thoroughly informed and health-care professionals involved in primary care. We also agreed that all statements made in the book would be backed up with references to peer-reviewed medical journals. This was no small task, but you are now holding the result in your hands – over 400 pages of information documented with over 1200 references, plus appendices providing additional useful information and resources.
If you have prostate problems now, the book provides a comprehensive discussion of your options and offers the opportunity to acquire the background knowledge necessary to understand the diagnosis, prognosis, and possible treatments along with the associated complications and side effects. This knowledge should enable a man to engage in a truly informed interaction with the physician or physicians involved in providing advice and treatment. Given that many of the decisions faced by a man with prostate problems are far from clear-cut, especially in the case of cancer, and that he is frequently given a choice among options, this knowledge turns out to be vital. On the other hand, if you are one of the lucky ones not yet experiencing prostate problems, our book "The Prostate and Its Problems" may help you avoid them in the future.
John B. Gustavson, Boulder, CO, USA "Great to have this wonderful book about the prostate problems BACK IN PRINT! It has served me and many of my friends over a decade. Larsen and Ware explain in good, understandable language what most men face with age, even starting in their forties. First, so-called Benign Prostate Hyperplasia, nothing “benign” about that! Later, the scary rise in your PSA number and what it may mean and what it may not indicate. If that leads to biopsies and if we are out of luck, this tome explains the multitude of possible “next steps”. Tough life-changing decisions have to be made, and my original copy (having been in many of my friends’ sweaty hands) bears proof of diligent reading. This book is a must for the maturing male consumer, and it also helps you explain to your wife what you are going through, whether it ends with surgery or less invasive procedures. I recommend it highly. I Have Been There!"
Hans Larsen is a Professional Engineer and holds a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the Technical University of Denmark. He developed a lifelong interest in biochemistry and nutrition through his early studies with Professor Henrik Dam, the Nobel Prize-winning discoverer of vitamin K. Later he honed his technical writing skills by abstracting for Chemical Abstracts then the world’s largest abstracting service. After a rewarding career in research and management in the oil and petrochemicals industry, Hans Larsen began publishing International Health News, first in printed form and then exclusively on the Internet. He later did extensive research into atrial fibrillation, a disorder now reaching epidemic proportions, and in December 2002 published his first book “Lone Atrial Fibrillation: Towards a Cure” (A revised edition was published in 2015). This book was followed by “Thrombosis and Stroke Prevention” – a layman’s guide to the causes and prevention of ischemic stroke. In 2006 Hans and William Ware published “The Prostate and Its Problems”, a comprehensive 440 page book covering all aspects of prostate-related disorders. The co-author of this book, William Ware, is an emeritus professor of chemistry at the University of Western Ontario in London. He received a Ph.D. in nuclear chemistry and physical chemistry from the University of Rochester and subsequently held academic positions at San Diego State University and the University of Minnesota. He moved to Canada in 1971 to join five other senior professors in forming the Photochemistry Unit, a research institute within the Chemistry Department of the University of Western Ontario devoted to basic research in photochemistry, photo physics, photobiology and spectroscopy. He has authored over one hundred scientific papers and reviews and edited three volumes of the series “Creation and Detection of the Excited State”, a series published by Marcel Dekker. Retirement provided an opportunity to devote considerable time to another interest, preventive and complementary medicine, approached from an evidence-based point of view. Access to the world’s medical literature through the university library, coupled with the background derived from a career in basic research, enabled this interest to flourish and eventually led to the writing of a number of research reviews for International Health News. Bill is now the editor of International Health News.
