BOOK REVIEWS

After searching the largest collection of medical books in England, Professor Sir Donald Acheson states in his Foreword for Menís Health, "there are were only five entries in the index dealing specifically with health in men." It is worthy to note the paucity of work dealing with menís health, given that men have shorter life expectancies than women. Many men die prematurely due to cardiovascular disease, accidents due to high-risk behaviors and various malignancies. The emotional and financial impact on the family by the premature death of the father figure and a potential wage earner can be disastrous. Health education and awareness are vital in disease prevention.

The text does an excellent job of identifying key issues that may impact menís health. Each chapter, dealing with a specific organ system, outlines the normal anatomy and physiology, which is nicely complemented with photographs and drawings. The diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of various disorders for each organ system, both benign and malignant, are outlined. Where appropriate the short and long term results of current clinical trials are given.

Most aspects of male sexual function are covered, including anatomy, physiology, infertility, impotence, menopause and sexually transmitted diseases. Disorders of the prostate are covered, ranging from prostatitis to prostate cancer. Other subjects covered include testicular cancer, duodenal and gastric ulcers, hernias, colorectal cancer, dermatologic diseases, and skin cancer. Behavioral and psychological aspects are well covered in chapters dealing with suicide and men as risk takers.

Osteoporosis is also a disease that affects men with some frequency. An entire chapter is dedicated to the prevalence, etiology, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of this condition. The chapter on disorders of the head and neck covers diseases of the ear, oral cavity and larynx, and is complete with excellent photographs of the various disorders. There is also a section of the book which outlines ways to institute a ëwell maní clinic in the primary care setting. This is especially relevant, given that many of these conditions and diseases are preventable.

This is an excellent, contemporary, all-inclusive publication solely dedicated to menís health issues. This book would be a valuable addition to any library.

Bartley G. Cilento, Jr., M.D.
Assistant in Urology, Childrenís Hospital
Instructor in Surgery (Urology), Harvard Medical School
300 Longwood Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02115