Today we continue our interview with author, Dr Judith O'Malley - Ford to discover who she is and what prompted her to write this book.
​Follow the promotional tour to learn a little more each day.
 
The Book: The Secret Stalker of the Prostate by Judith O'Malley-Ford
 
Synopsis: This book has the potential to save many lives. Every question regarding anatomy, disease processes, decision making procedures for the treatment and considerations of the side effects, psycho-social effects and the impact on relationships, are concisely covered - all in layman terms.
 
For those men who are in the process of taking that difficult step of presenting prostate problems to their doctors, including those unfortunate enough to be facing investigation for prostate cancer, this book is for you.

​Part three of our interview:
 
4. When did you begin your writing journey?
 
I started writing when I was still at school, for homework, for fun, and now as a more serious writer to educate, inform, entertain, and to pass on some of my knowledge and skills. As a General Practitioner, I have many topics of interest. People say to me, “Why write a book on prostate cancer?” and I say, “Why not?”
 
I wrote a thesis on asthma for my Master of Public Health, and no one asked me why I wrote about this topic. It was recommended to subsequent groups of students in this Masters’ course, as a work of excellence.
 
In January one year, I did the trip to Antarctica, and wrote about it on my return. Antarctica is the most amazing place.
 
I have published medical works, from the earliest time in my career. My first work was a research paper which I presented to audiences in Brisbane, Christchurch, and in Singapore. More recently, my books have been published in Australia, and in the UK and Europe. I currently write guest blogs for friends and colleagues, for the European Medical Journal, and reviews of friends’ books.
 
I’ve won a couple of awards for my writing. One was for an essay on risk evaluation for the Royal Australian College of Medical Administrators, the other was a joint award for Limerick writing from the Australian Society of Authors.
 
5. Do you have a favourite place to write?
 
My study at home or my office at work.
 
6. Some writers have a preferred writing schedule. Do you?
 
I prefer to write late in the day, into the evening, or even into the early hours of the morning, or alternatively sometimes at work during the day. I get ideas for writing any time of the day: driving the car or lying in bed in the quiet, dark. There is always something to write about.

​Join Peter Frederick tomorrow to learn more. http://peterfrederick.blogspot.com.au
 
The book is available at all book stores. If it is not in stock yet, ask them to order it for you. It is also available from the Morris Publishing Australia's website http://www.morrispublishingaustralia.com/the-secret-stalker-of-the-prostate.html And on Amazon as an eBook.
 
Follow the promotional tour to find out more about Judith and her book.
Promotional tour dates and addresses:
Date 19th November https://clancytucker.blogspot.com.au

20th November http://karlenepetitt.blogspot.com

21st November http://www.morrispublishingaustralia.com/news-update-blog

22nd November http://peterfrederick.blogspot.com.au

23rd November https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJohnHickman

24th November https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.hampton.503?fref=ts

25th November https://www.facebook.com/KellyLyonnsAuthor/

NEW BOOK GIVES HOPE FOR SERIOUS MEN'S HEALTH ISSUE.

A new book has hit the shelves in a bid to help stop the unnecessary deaths caused by prostate cancer.

​This book is supported by many public figures including Major General John Hemsley Pearn AO RFD, Philip Adams, Peter Dornan, founder and convenor of the Prostate Cancer Support Group and Ian Smith, Queensland  PCFA Board Member.

Author of the book, The Secret Stalker of the Prostrate, Dr Judith O'Malley-Ford said, 'To put prostate cancer in context, we can compare its incidence with that of other commonly occurring cancers.

'Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. It is more common than lung cancer, colon cancer or breast cancer in women. Research shows that the incidence of prostate cancer is far greater than breast cancer but the funding put into its early detection is far less. This needs to be addressed.'

The book was launched by Major General John Hemsley Pearn AO RFD at the Grange Bowls Club on Wednesday 2nd of November.

When asked to read and evaluate the book, Peter Dornan, founder and convenor of the Prostate Cancer Support Group wrote, 'When I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1996, at the age of 52, as a health professional, a Physiotherapist, I was embarrassed and angry that I did not know what my prostate was, where it was and what it did. This is the book I would have loved to have at the time. Every question regarding anatomy, disease processes, decision making procedures for the treatment and considerations of the side effects, psycho-social effects and the impact on relationships, are concisely covered – all in layman terms. The most important section, dealing with the modern research of parametric MRI during diagnosis, is particularly useful.'

The book contains very detailed information on the common symptoms of not only prostate cancer but other less critical diseases of the uro-genital system. A comprehensive questionnaire will help men or their wives or partners pick up any changes that could be early warning signs. It goes on to explain in great detail the steps that should be taken if a problem is suspected and the steps the medical professional will take to determine and treat the cause.

Dr O'Malley-Ford told me that, until recently, it was a relatively rare event for a man to bring a problem with the functioning of his uro-genital system to medical attention without prompting by a significant other. For those men who are in the process of taking that difficult step of presenting prostate problems to their doctors, including those unfortunate enough to be facing investigation for prostate cancer, this book is for them.

'I have a personal interest in the quest to improve men’s health. My father had prostate cancer. The bigger picture relating to prostate cancer also includes the associated risk of breast cancer for women in a family where the men are diagnosed with prostate cancer. There is scientific evidence that shows that the same inherited genetic risk factor applies to breast cancer as applies to prostate,' Dr O'Malley-Ford said.

In the foreword for the book, Philip Adams says, 'Australia needs a definitive work on the topic, one that gives prominence to the prostate, and sets out to answer those questions that men just don’t want to ask – a book written with intelligence, kindness, and humour. The topic has found its author in Dr. Judith O’Malley Ford. Her knowledge on the subject is profound, her writing lucid and humane. In this book, she comprehensively and compassionately addresses a major health issue for men – if not THE major health issue affecting men today.'

The book is available on line at www.morrispublishingaustralia.com as an eBook or paperback, and from bookshops and online book sellers.
http://www.morrispublishingaustralia.com/the-secret-stalker-of-the-prostate.html