Once you get past the title, Finger Up the Bum, you realize the book has serious intent. It’s a funny take on a very unfunny topic.
“At 45 years old, I was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer,” says Vancouver-based Michael Izen. “By 49, I was given a terminal diagnosis when the cancer spread to my liver.”
Gibsons artist Jon Izen created cartoons in support of his brother’s book, making it possibly the first ever illustrated guide to prostate cancer outside of a medical textbook. The cartoons are funny and vulgar at the same time. As Michael puts it, “The book is about pee, poo and (no) boners. What’s not to like?”
Finger Up The Bum: An Illustrated Guide to Michael’s Prostate Cancer by Michael Hart Izen, with cartoons by Jon Izen and their father, J. Roy “Sneeze” Izen, tells the story of Michael’s cancer – and it does not shy away from the uncomfortable, the painful or even the tasteless.
Jon Izen says, “I originally made some cartoons so I could deal with the bad news, and to make my brother laugh. Now we want to share the story with others, to help bring a smile to those who need it.”
Will this book send men to the doctor for the dreaded prostate exam? Yes, and they will be praying as they go that their prostates are healthy. But in my opinion, this is really a book for spouses. It was the urging and persistence of Michael’s wife that pushed him to diagnosis and treatment, and she is responsible for him being alive today. He thanks his wife profusely. Jon Izen says that Michael is currently holding his own health-wise, and the two have been able to go on a book tour together, including appearances on Global TV and CBC Radio.
Why write a book that documents pain and illness? The clue to that is in Michael’s words: “People either tiptoe around or rush to offer me every quack cancer cure around. So I did what I do best and made jokes to help other people relax and have a normal conversation with me.”
According to Prostate Cancer Canada, one in eight Canadian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Michael hopes this book will spur men of all ages to take charge of their own health.
The Izen brothers raised money to publish the book through Kickstarter, a crowd funding website, and they quickly raised $25,000 to print and market it. The book design is by Leola Productions and they were helped by Page Two in Vancouver. It has already made the best sellers’ list at bookstores in Calgary and Winnipeg.
“The project is moving fast, because my remaining time is so precious,” says Michael Izen.
See www.fingerupthebumbook.com for more. It will be available at Talewind Books in Sechelt for $14.95 and online at Amazon.ca and other e-book sites.
