Reviewed by Les Winick

Dr. Bradley Hennenfent, a Roseville physician, has written a book on prostate cancer (PC) that should be read by every male over the age of 40. The rate of death from PC is fast approaching that of women's breast cancer. He examines the various treatments being offered today, and finds major fault with some of the most prescribed, such as removal of the prostate. One of his chapters tells how removal of the prostate may actually spread prostate cancer.

The book has 334 pages, 34 chapters, 27 illustrations and cartoons and an extensive index.

His articles on the subject of prostate cancer have been published in several major medical journals, he has founded three Internet newsgroups, and firmly believes that an informed patient is the best patient.

The doctor tells of the possible causes of prostate and breast cancer, which is so simple, that it makes good sense. He quotes studies that have shown that prostate cancer may happen because men wear belts and either sit at a desk or driving a car. In either case, as men bend forward while seated, the front of the seat puts pressure on the prostate.

Women wear bras that apply pressure to their breasts, blocking lymphatic drainage of the breasts and predispose females to get breast cancer. As further proof of this theory, the breast cancer rate in non-bra wearing cultures is only 1 in 168 females while in bra-wearing countries it is 1 in 8. He suggests that women not wear a bra to sleep and not to wear constrictive bras. There have been no studies made on this subject in the United States.

Readers of the Zephyr can obtain an advance copy of the book for $19.95 by calling the toll-free number; 1-800-852, 4892. All credit cards are accepted. Or send your check or money order for $19.95 to Roseville Books, P. O. Box 375, Roseville Illinois 61478. The book will be available in all book stores at the end of January 2005.

Les Winick, the author of this review, had his prostate removed in January 1996, when he had a PSA of 59.6. Note that .4 is considered high "normal." Three days after surgery, he had a heart attack in the hospital. His wife was told by the attending physician to "call your children and make arrangements at a funeral home for tonight." The surgeon, who removed the prostate, didn't check to see if he had any heart problems prior to surgery.

The $20. for the book could save your life.