Dr. Peter Scardino's Prostate Book, Revised Edition: The Complete Guide to Overcoming Prostate Cancer, Prostatitis, and BPH

Non-fiction at its best relies on wonderful writing and special insights into the subject matter to make highly complex topics meaningful for a general readership. This book is one of the finest examples of two highly creative minds merging to produce a unique study of the prostate and Prostate Cancer. Internationally renowned surgeon Dr. Peter Scardino shows throughout the pages he possesses a grasp of the topic few can match, yet it is the storytelling abilities and contemporary writing flair of acclaimed author, Judith Kerman, that transforms his knowledge into a book meant for the layman. At times, it even reads like a novel, sucking fear from a word like cancer that can terrify the most stoic among us when it is whispered in our presence. When one of the opening lines of the book described the prostate as the "biblical Job of the internal organs, destined to suffer one crushing misfortune after another," I knew right away it was going to be a compelling read. Scardino and Kelman were clearly aware they were writing a book for everyone and that it would be more than a study of Prostate Cancer. It is in fact a "Complete Guide" because it also addresses Prostatitis and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). Significantly, it offers a wealth of guidance on how to live one's life following treatments for prostate problems. From the outset, I was impressed by the authors' ability to explain in the simplest of detail the underlying role of the prostate in the male body and how this form of cancer can be tamed and more often than not cured. The book deals transparently with the wide range of options available to patients with Prostate cancer, including Radiation Therapy; Focal and "Local" therapies; Open Surgery, which is Dr. Scardino's particular expertise, and Robotically Assisted Surgery. At no point, do the authors shy away from confronting the pros and cons of all the available options to combat cancer and other prostate conditions. Dr. Scardino's consummate knowledge of all matters related to the prostrate is self evident throughout the pages as is his abiding concern patients should know all the facts in order to make informed judgments about what treatments best suit them. For anyone faced with Prostate Cancer diagnosis a reflex shock sets in, followed by an inability to process the terrifying news. Many people turn to the Web for advice but, while there are sites that offer genuine guidance, there is a myriad others providing confusing opinions, which makes it difficult to see a way forward. This book is essential reading for all men diagnosed with prostate issues and is an important source of information and reassurance for them and their partners. It might appear unusual to link the words "cancer" and "reassurance," yet Dr. Scardino confirms that medical science really has a handle on Prostate Cancer and prostate related issues. Knowledge is vital in our ability to confront problems and it can be empowering when we are faced with adversity. This book imparts a wealth of knowledge from a brilliant surgeon in a manner that will empower any reader. The authors devote parts of the book to explain how patients should prepare for surgery and handle post-operative matters, including situations in which patients require additional procedures I highly recommend this book to all men because none of us is immune from problems with the "biblical Job of the internal organs." The message emanating from this important work is one of hope.

I am recently diagnosed with prostrate cancer and this one of the ten different books I have purchased on the subject. I would place this book highly on a recommended prostate cancer reading list. The author is a prostrate surgeon and chief or surgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Hospital in NY. According to US News and World Report, MSK is a top rated facility for treating cancer and the MSK urology dept is also highly rated. The author provides considerable insight on the appropriateness, value and shortcomings of the different prostrate cancer treatment options based on different stages and aggressiveness of prostrate cancer. The book is full of wisdom and the author opinions appear to be based on what can be well supported by evidence based research. Reading this book has helped me make sense of and judge the soundness of the different treatment recommendations being made by my own physicians. It has helped me think of questions to ask my doctors. I would also highly recommend books by Gerald Copak - Winning the battle Against Prostrate Cancer and John McHughs the Decision. All of these books are a great source of information at the modest cost of a co-pay.

Prior to surgery I bought both this book and Dr. Walsh's book. Both do a good job of covering all topics of interest. I bought Dr. Walsh's book 1st but wanted an alternative to see where they agree and differ. Sometimes the way one person explains things settles in better for my mind so I was frequently switching between them (depending on the topic I was concerned about at the time) as surgery approached. I felt very well prepared mentally in knowing what to expect. Now, a week after surgery, I feel both books were money well spent. They are both thorough and written at a technical level that I can understand. Some books try to dumb things down so much they become useless but these 2 books are at a level I find useful.

Dr Scardino elucidates the principles necessary to manage Prostate health. The book is thorough and relatively easy to read for the average individual. Some of the chapters have repetetive material, as if written by different individuals. But, the facts are devastatingly critical for every man to acknowledge for his livleyhood. Read it now.

Wow..What a book!...or should I say what a BIBLE! Ironically, I just finished reading Dr Scardino's incredibly readable,comprehensive, informative and candid book about all things prostate and prostate cancer just a few days before I'm headed in to see him about my own prostate issues. To say, after reading it, that I feel confident I am putting my trust in the right hands is an understatement. I give this "definitive" work on the subject matter the highest rating I'm allowed to give. Five stars? You bet!

It was an easy read going into significant detail about all the issues you face when diagnosed with Prostate Cancer.

Excellent book !!! This book was referred to me by a Radiation Oncologist that I consulted with. He told me that even if you choose radical prostatectomy surgery (or some other form of treatment over radiation) that you need to have read this book and have it on your shelf for reference. He is so right. The author, Dr. Peter Scardino, is the Chairman of the Department of Surgery at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York. The latest edition has a copyright date of 2010, but this book is by no means out-of-date. Treatments aren't accepted until they have a proven track record which typically takes many years, when enough patient data is available to determine how well the treatments work. If you want to know how to deal with prostate cancer, before, during, and after treatments, you need to have read this book in its entirity ... not just the sections relative to the type of treatment you are considering. The more informed you are, the more your mind will be put at ease that you are making the right decision, which will reduce your anxiety and stress level.

I felt that the book was fluffy and unbalanced, that is minimizing failures, risks and potential risks while glorifying the medical world and its often successes.

All you need to know about your options with prostate cancer

Great coverage of all aspects of the subject matter. Hope there is a 3rd edition as things change in any disease understanding and the lay person (especially if diagnosed) needs to be more aware than might have been considered normal in previous generations. Key points support what I've previously read about the absolute importance of putting yourself in the hands of experts in their field when you are choosing treatment options - and this on its own when coming from a practitioner from a centre of excellence is worth the effort in buying and reading.

met description 100%; well packed, very prompt delivery

Up to date and addresses most if not all of the medical issues for different situations.