Prostate Health Center Resource Center

National Cancer Institute -- Prostate Cancer About this site: Established in 1937, the National Cancer Institute is part of the federal National Institutes of Health, and is the nation's leading cancer research institution. The site's information covers the basics of the prostate, from the gland's purpose to treatments for various types of prostate disorders. Medical terms are linked to a glossary with pop-up definitions. This is a site for men and their partners who want to research prostate disorders thoroughly. (http://www.cancer.gov/cancer_information/cancer_type/prostate/)   Pluses: Information is clearly written without the medical jargon usually found on other sites.   Minuses: There's a lot of statistical information on prostate cancer trends, which may not interest the average user.   Best feature: If you want to participate in clinical trials, you can search the database for programs across the country.

Johns Hopkins Prostate Bulletin About this site: Dr. H. Ballentine Carter, professor of urology and oncology at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, is the editor of Johns Hopkins Prostate Bulletin -- a newsletter based on research performed at Johns Hopkins. The site also features news stories that are updated weekly, a Q and A section, and a small library of basic information on prostatitis, enlarged prostate, and prostate cancer. http://www.hopkinsprostate.com/   Pluses: Johns Hopkins is a very reliable source of cutting edge research on prostate disorders.   Minuses: If you want to subscribe to the newsletter, it will cost you -- $195!   Best feature: The "Grand Rounds" section is devoted to Dr. Carter's answers to subscribers' questions, and features a substantial archive.

Prostate Cancer Calculator About this site: How likely is it that prostate cancer will spread to your lymph nodes? Wonder about your chances of having a recurrence after surgery? This calculator -- developed by Dr. E. David Crawford, Section Head of Urologic Oncology at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center -- can help you get an idea. It works like this: You enter certain medical measurements, like PSA, Gleason grades, and the clinical stage of your cancer. The calculator then compares your information against a database of similar measurements from thousands of other patients. http://www.prostatecalculator.org/   Pluses: The site has cool mouseover graphics, and there's a thorough explanation of how the predictions are based on "artificial intelligence."   Minuses: Patients may not have the necessary information readily at hand. Also, the calculator is based on specific measurements and can't take into account individual circumstances that might impact a person's disease or recovery.   Best feature: There are calculators for estimating your chances of four possible outcomes.

National Prostate Cancer Coalition About this site: The National Prostate Cancer Coalition represents medical professionals, prostate cancer survivors, and families working to promote awareness about prostate cancer. This somewhat amateur site serves as a clearinghouse of information about the disease, as well as an organization site for support groups and events. http://www.pcacoalition.org   Pluses: Helpful index points the newly diagnosed and their families to information about the disease and to support groups.   Minuses: Some of the links are dead, and some of the information is unsourced or outdated.   Best feature: The Useful Web Sites page features links to support groups, advocacy organizations, and other sources of information on prostate cancer.

Brady Urological Institute About this site: The Brady Urological Institute at Johns Hopkins Hospital has long been synonymous with groundbreaking surgical techniques. The facility offers a wide variety of procedures, including methods for reversing vasectomies and preventing impotence and incontinence after prostate cancer. Check out its Web site for diagrammed descriptions of these and other innovative surgeries. There's also a comprehensive guide for helping men outlive prostate cancer and a list of the Institute's doctors by specialty. (http://urology.jhu.edu/)   Pluses: Highlighted illustrations on the urologic conditions page lead to descriptions of the kidneys, testicles, bladder, and prostate.   Minuses: Navigating the site isn't always intuitive.   Best feature: The pediatric urology page covers diagnoses and treatments for everything from bed-wetting to undescended testes. You can also learn about the latest nonsurgical or minimally invasive procedures for children.

Prostate Cancer Information About this site: Do you need a crash course on prostate cancer? This easy-to-navigate site offers an excellent overview of the disease and diagnostic testing procedures, providing clear explanations and helpful illustrations. Current patients and family members will also find information on support and coping with a cancer diagnosis. (http://www.prostateinfo.com/)   Pluses: A section devoted to medical definitions and terms related to prostate cancer.   Minuses: Educational materials promote drugs from Zeneca Pharmaceuticals, which sponsors site.   Best feature: Treatment Methods discusses the options of watchful waiting, surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy.

Prostate Health About this site: Get the latest information on prostate cancer symptoms, diagnostic tests, and treatment options from the American Foundation for Urological Disease (AFUD). The site also offers links to other resources and a worldwide registry where you can discuss treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). (http://www.prostatehealth.com/)   Pluses: Can e-mail questions about treatments and concerns to doctors on AFUD's editorial board.   Minuses: No information on what makes a patient a good candidate for different treatments.   Best feature: An article outlining the pros and cons of taking a PSA(prostate specific antigen) test to diagnose prostate cancer.