Review: Localised Prostate Cancer Pack part 1

The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia has put together a box of information. It is available at pharmacies throughout the country. It includes many pamphlets, booklets, and 2 DVDs to help men on treatment decisions and coping strategies. I'll put my critical review after the jump.


Most succinct review: This is fantastic. Its good to see so many resources pulled together and presented at once. Hopefully this box would contain all the information someone would need/want. I especially like the planner (that's the little binder) to record biopsy information, treatment options, prescribed medications, etc. They cover not only medical information but emotional and mental issues as well, and have pamphlets on strengthening pelvic floor muscles. Very comprehensive.

Main con: perhaps too much information at once. Even though they are in separate parts that can be read at one's leisure, opening the box and seeing so many components (there are plenty I didn't pull out for the photo) was a bit overwhelming. I don't see anybody systematically going through all this, especially when many of the materials are redundant of others, at least in part.

So lets talk about some specific components. I'll dedicate a post to each of the major components included in here. Starting with...

I've already mentioned the planner, and overall I think it's a great idea. It looks sharp as well, which helps. The first section is a bit superfluous; pages to list things like personal information, past medical history, family disease history. Those would be something to put on a real medical chart, yes, but I don't know that a person needs to write it down for themselves, unless they want to do a self-epidemiological analysis (which seems like a terrible idea). But it gets much better from there. First, directory spaces for every manner of doctor, specialist, physio, psych, nurses, and other health professionals, as well as support groups and other services like meals on wheels. Then a large section to record and track PSA readings, biopsy results, etc. Next, an even bigger section to record all the details of any treatments, and they have templates for every possible kind of treatment. After each treatment is a blank page for someone to write about "My experiences with ... [surgery, or radiation therapy, etc]. There are additional blank pages for notes on experiences with side effects like incontinence. Penultimate section is tables to organize thoughts and questions for DRs appointments, as well as a medical expense record. Final section is a directory of support services with phone #s and websites.