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

Awarded first place in the 2023 AJN Book of the Year Awards in Consumer Health.

"Androgen deprivation therapy is the main treatment for locally advanced and metastatic prostate cancer. It is a very effective treatment, but it has major impact on many aspects of men's health. Thousands of articles have been dedicated to that subject. This book distills these down and provides a comprehensive understanding and path forward for the many challenges associated with androgen deprivation therapy."

- David Crawford, M.D., Professor of Urology, University of California San Diego

"As someone who has treated men with prostate cancer for over 25 years, I recognize the burden of care of the patients and their loved ones. This book provides excellent tips on how to deal with the disease. I have used prior versions for many years in my practice and wholly endorse this new version. It’s a must read!"

- Neil Fleshner, MD, Chair of Urology, University of Toronto Ontario, and Love Chair in Prostate Cancer Prevention, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario

Androgen Deprivation Therapy is the only guide written exclusively about the side effects of hormone therapy. The authors have collaborated with the European Association of Urology to produce this specially revised new edition to serve men affected by ADT across the globe. This comprehensive workbook for prostate cancer patients and their loved ones is filled with practical advice from experts in the field. The book covers a wealth of strategies to help men cope with ADT and maintain a good quality of life while on this treatment. It is not only an informational manual, but a guide for both patients and partners about ways to make changes in their lives that can keep them healthy and positive when the patient is on ADT.

New to this Edition:

• Updates on the primary drugs used to treat prostate cancer with tables for common brand names worldwide.
• Updates on the physical side effects of ADT, such as hot flashes, weight gain, muscle loss and fatigue—plus management strategies.
• Expanded information on exercise and nutrition for men diagnosed with prostate cancer.
• Expanded information on the psychological and relational impact of ADT on both patients and their partners, with strategies to maintain intimacy despite reduced libido and difficulties with erections.
• Expanded discussion on dealing with emotional side effects, such as mood swings and depression.
• Exercises, activities, worksheets, and other tools to promote discussion and inspire behavioral changes that can reduce the burden of ADT.
• Officially endorsed by the European Association of Urology and the Canadian Urological Association.

Richard J. Wassersug, PhD, is a research scientist who earned his doctoral degree in evolutionary biology from the University of Chicago in Illinois. 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. At the age of 52 years, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and has received multiple treatments for the disease. After beginning androgen deprivation therapy, he redirected his research to study the psychology of androgen deprivation in various populations. Wassersug now holds the title of Honorary Professor at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.

Lauren M. Walker, PhD, R Psych, is an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Oncology's Division of Psychosocial Oncology and the Department of Psychology at the University of Calgary in Alberta. She is a registered clinical psychologist in the province of Alberta and operates a private clinical psychology practice for individuals with sexual concerns (see www.drlaurenwalker.com). She completed a clinical fellowship in 2015 specializing in oncology and sexuality, where she focused on developing programs to help cancer patients adapt to sexual changes after cancer treatment. She received her doctorate in clinical psychology in 2013 from the University of Calgary. There she completed her dissertation, which evaluated a patient education initiative for prostate cancer patients (and their partners) starting androgen deprivation therapy. Walker established the University of Calgary's Oncology Sexual Health Lab and maintains an active research program. She also maintains an Instagram account aimed to decrease stigma and to disseminate scientific and clinical knowledge about sexuality (www.instagram. com/drlaurenwalker).

John W. Robinson, PhD, R Psych, was a clinical psychologist and member of the Genitourinary and Gynaecological Cancer Programs at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Calgary, Alberta, from 1986 until he retired in 2019. Robinson's career focused on providing clinical services and creating and evaluating new ways to ease the psychological burden of cancer on not just patients but also their loved ones. He continues to hold an adjunct associate professorship in the Departments of Oncology (Division of Psychosocial Oncology) and Psychology at the University of Calgary, where he continues to be involved in research.