One in five men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer sometime in their lives—and as many as 170,000 this year. Clayton T. Crowe of Pullman was diagnosed in 1997. Soon after, he began asking doctors and urologists questions—a lot of questions—regarding the diagnosis and possible courses of action. He wanted second and third opinions. And he read as much as he could about the disease.
Fortunately for readers, Crowe shares what he’s learned first-hand about prostate cancer and treatment—he underwent a radical prostatectomy—in a 26-page book, Prostate Cancer—with a Dose of Reality and a Slice of Humor.
Crowe is professor emeritus of mechanical engineering at Washington State University. The book is co-written and illustrated by his son, Chad T. Crowe, a professional cartoonist in Portland.
Their intent, the authors say, is not to make light of the disease. After all, it’s second only to lung cancer as a cause of death among men. Instead, they hope the book will enable men diagnosed with prostate cancer to be more open about their concerns and feelings.
The book’s humorous approach to its subject not only helps break down communication barriers between patients on the one hand and doctors and family members on the other, it also helps patients cope better. Some believe humor aids the healing process.
“I applaud efforts to broaden prostate cancer awareness,” says Pullman urologist John J. Keizur, “and what better way to expose this insidious disease than through comedy?”
Sections of the book are devoted to such factors as age, race, and dietary habits that increase the likelihood of prostate cancer. The authors also look at various treatments, including radiation, implantation of radioactive seeds, and surgery, as well as post-surgery issues.
For information contact Chad Crowe Illustration, 4882 SW Slavin Road, Portland, Oregon 97201 or chadcrowe.com.