Androgen Deprivation Therapy: An Essential Guide for Prostate Cancer Patients and Their Loved Ones

"This is an excellent resource for individuals who are both being treated by and caring for those on androgen deprivation therapy. It addresses commonly understood as well as sensitive topics impacted by this treatment and offers explanations and strategies for how to address and cope with these side effects. Its interactive activities, patient testimonials, and annotations encourage readers to study the topics so that they will better understand the issues. In all, it is a superb source of knowledge for these patients and their families and caregivers."--Doody's Book Review Service

Successfully manage the side effects of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and get back to life

For many men with prostate cancer, ADT (sometimes referred to as hormone therapy) offers hope for controlling the disease and living longer. But the side effects can leave you with unexpected physical and emotional changes. In Androgen Deprivation Therapy, experts who have helped hundreds of men provide you and your loved ones with the tools and solutions you need to prepare for treatment and deal with every situation. You'll learn how to:

• Reduce hot flashes and night sweats
• Address changes in weight and body composition
• Maintain sexual intimacy despite changes in libido
• Fight fatigue and insomnia
• Control mood swings and depression
• Maintain open communication with your partner

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Richard Wassersug is a research scientist, who got his PhD in evolutionary biology from the University of Chicago. He then spent most of his career studying the biology of amphibians and teaching anatomy in the medical school at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. However, at the age of 52 he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and has since receiving multiple treatments for the disease. After beginning androgen deprivation therapy, he redirected his research to study the psychology of androgen deprivation in various populations. Richard is now an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Urologic Sciences at the University of British Columbia and Co-Lead for the Vancouver Prostate Centre's new Prostate Cancer Supportive Care Program.

Lauren Walker has a PhD in clinical psychology, and is a clinical fellow in the Department of Oncology at the University of Calgary and the Tom Baker Cancer Centre. She completed her doctorate research evaluating a patient education initiative for preparing prostate cancer patients (and their partners) starting on androgen deprivation therapy. She works clinically with couples helping them adapt to the sexual implications of cancer treatments. She is an active researcher, who has contributed several key articles to the scientific literature on the psychosocial adaptation to androgen deprivation therapy.

John Robinson has been a clinical psychologist and a member of the Genital Urinary Program at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Calgary, Alberta since 1986. He concurrently provides clinical service and develops new ways to ease the psychological burden of cancer on not just patients but also their loved ones. He has appointments in both Oncology and Clinical Psychology at the University of Calgary where he teaches and carries on an active research program.

Andrew Matthew is a senior staff Psychologist at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. He is a Clinician-Investigator in the Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, and a member of the Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care. He is also an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, in the Departments of Surgery and Psychiatry.

Kirsten C. Kukula holds a bachelor's degree, combined honors in biology and sociology, from Dalhousie University. She works as a Research Assistant at Dalhousie University and Capital Health District Authority mainly on projects in the area of psychosocial oncology. Her areas of interest include the social determinants of health, sexuality, and medicine.

Deborah McLeod is a clinician scientist in nursing with the QEII Cancer Care Program in Halifax, NS, Canada. She is a clinical member of the psychosocial oncology team, providing individual, couple and family therapy. She conducts research with couples that are coping with cancer, with a focus on communication and sexuality.

Linette Lawlor-Savage, B.Sc., is completing Doctoral studies in Clinical Psychology at the University of Calgary, Canada. Her primary interest areas are neuropsychology and psychosocial oncology. Her current research utilizes behavioral and neuroimaging methods to investigate cognitive functioning (e.g., loss and recovery of abilities such as memory, thinking speed, and decision making) in healthy aging adults and in cancer survivors.

Daniel Santa Mina completed his doctoral studies at York University examining the psychosocial and physiological effects of exercise in men with prostate cancer. He is a Certified Exercise Physiologist with the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology and holds certification as a Cancer Exercise Specialist from the Rocky Mountain Cancer Rehabilitation Institute. Dr. Santa Mina is currently a Post Doctoral Fellow at the Prostate Centre in the Princ