Take Charge: For men newly diagnosed with prostate cancer

James Metz, MD
Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania
Last Modified: November 1, 2001

Produced by: State of the Art, Inc.
Phone: 1-888-275-2605
Format: VHS, 30 minutes
Price: $12.95 US
ISBN:1-881782-08-5

OncoLink Rating:

Take Charge is a video for patients newly diagnosed with prostate cancer. It is produced by the Academy Award winning communications company State of the Art, Inc. The video was created to help patients get ready to make important decisions regarding the management of their prostate cancer. The video was not made to explore the various treatment options for prostate cancer. Instead it helps the viewer deal with the stress of the diagnosis of prostate cancer and encourages them to become actively involved in the decision making process.

The experiences of several men diagnosed with prostate cancer are explored on the video. It shows how they handled the stress and confusion after the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Each of the men encourages the viewer to become involved with support groups and to seek the advice of others who are survivors of prostate cancer. The inclusion of their spouses and families in their support network has also helped each of the men deal with this difficult issue.

The video is narrated by General Colin Powell who encourages newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients to actively seek out support to assist them through this difficult diagnosis. He advises patients to continue living life to the fullest and take charge of this disease. The video also includes a 24-page booklet with basic explanations of the treatment options, a glossary of medical terms, and a resource list.

Take Charge is an excellent video for the recently diagnosed cancer patient. It empowers the patient to make important decisions regarding the management of their prostate cancer. It is highly recommended by OncoLink.