Invasion of the Prostate Snatchers: Revised and Updated Edition: An Essential Guide to Managing Prostate Cancer for Patients and Their Families

by Mark Scholz, Ralph H. Blum

"Every year almost a quarter of a million confused and frightened American men are tossed into a prostate cancer cauldron stirred by salespeople representing a multibillion-dollar industry. In this flourishing business, the radical prostatectomy is still the most widely recommended treatment option. Yet a recent and definitive study in the New England Journal of Medicine concluded that out of the fifty thousand prostate operations performed annually, more than forty thousand are unjustified. But this is no surprise given that 99 percent of all doctors treating this disease are surgeons or radiation therapists. The appalling fact is that men are still being rushed into a major operation that rarely prolongs life and more than half the time leaves them impotent. Invasion of the Prostate Snatchers is a report on the latest thinking in prostate cancer close monitoring-active surveillance rather than surgery or radiation-should be the initial treatment approach for many men. There are three stages of prostate cancer and this book will provide accurate information about how to distinguish between Low-Risk, which requires no immediate treatment; Intermediate-Risk, which will benefit from surgery, radiation, and/or hormonal therapy; and High-Risk, a type that does require immediate treatment with a combination of therapies. In a unique collaboration, doctor and patient provide a wholly new perspective on managing this disease. Ralph Blum's account of his personal struggle, together with Dr. Mark Scholz's presentation of new scientific advances, provides convincing evidence that this noninvasive approach can be crucial in preventing tens of thousands of men from being overtreated every year. Invasion of the Prostate Snatchers serves as an indispensable map through the medical minefield of prostate cancer"--

Genres: Nonfiction

190 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 24, 2021

Reviews

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

These men have the same mindset that I do, being skeptical of doctors who are in a hurry to operate. When I work on cars, after I take out a part I replace it with a new part. Urologist (a surgeon) want to remove your prostate without replacing it, that should be concerning and cause a man to take pause.

Jumping into surgery, when it is not a life-or-death situation, is a real mistake. Because most prostate cancers are growth stages that are slow to medium, so taking time to research your options and understand recent advances help to feel that you are still in control of your own medical decision. That includes taking time to consult with an oncologist (cancer doctor). Because their focus is on cancer, they can discuss other options besides surgery with a urologist.

Allowing your partner to attend your appointments and be part of the decision-making process is critical, not necessary for you but for the health of your relationship. If you are going to be partners for life, then you need to be willing to share the bad with the good.

Besides acknowledging that his caring, sensitive, and feminine side became more pronounced because of the experience he was going through, which I can relate to, here is a list of items to help keep cancer in check and add to the quality of your life:
1) I laugh a lot more than I used to before I understood the healing power of laughter.
2) I have become a great fan of gratitude, for all people, and for the simple things in life that we
take for granted, including nature that surrounds us.
3) Letting go of toxic thinking and emotions that drain my immune system.
4) To stay in the present, letting go of the past grievances and regrets, and not worrying about
the future.
5) I put my faith, my love of God, into action by making service to others part of my healing
process.
6) I find time to play, to stroll on the beach, listen to music, reconnect with old friends. I make
time for activities that delight my soul and nourish my spirit.
7) I work on projects that will come after writing this book. I make plans for what I want to do,
with the rest of my long life.

[John Turiano · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's something we all dread hearing. Something that will touch each of us in some way. Getting a cancer diagnosis is the beginning of a roller-coaster ride that none of us would choose. An educational and emotional journey we are ill-prepared for. This book was a huge help for me. Co-written by Dr. Mark Schloz and Ralph Blum, it alternates between medical advice and the first-hand experiences of a cancer patient. Revised in 2021, it outlines the latest treatments, diet and it's role in the disease, quality of life issues, as well as test procedures and how to interpret the results.

I have just begun my journey, but I have already experienced high anxiety and frustration in dealing with a broken and understaffed healthcare system. Add to that the large amount of information to digest and it becomes a daunting task. This book helped me sort through a lot of the noise and conflicting advice, while the patient perspectives helped calm my mind. I recommend this book to anyone dealing with prostate cancer personally, or for a friend or loved one.

[H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential reading for those dealing with the possibility or diagnosis of prostate cancer

This book could make a significant difference for men contemplating prostate cancer decisions. It could save them from becoming involved in unnecessary treatment that they might regret later. Co-authored by one of the few medical oncologists in the country who specialize in prostate cancer.

[Peter Farness · Rating 5 out of 5]

A moving book. I almost cried after reading it. Dr. Scholz and Ralph Blum really demonstrated themselves to be two of the good guys. The straight-talking plain-spoken Dr. Scholz really gives you the lowdown, citing a bevy of important studies. I appreciated Ralph Blum’s abstract thinking, creativity, and humor, and he obviously learned quite a bit on his journey as well. I kind of wish there were still more creative people like him around.

[Stephen Rynkiewicz]

As a healthcare publicist, I’m all about screening, even as the clinical rules are being rewritten. Most prostate cancers move so slowly and the treatments can be so risky that the best option can be observation. That leaves patients with hard choices, and this doctor-patient team guides them with authority and humor.

[Tony · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only reason I didn't rate this as a 5-star book is that it was initially written over a decade ago and medical technology and advances are moving quickly in this area. It is still very worth reading if you or a loved one has prostate cancer.

[Rod Linafelter · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are just beginning your journey, by all means read this book first. This is a book about rationality, reason, control, and hope. Informative and captivating.