DR. PETER SCARDINO'S PROSTATE BOOK: The Complete Guide to Overcoming Prostate Cancer, Prostatitis and BPH

Many men have a dreaded fear of prostate problems that prevents them from seeking help. In response to that approach, Scardino, a practicing urologist at Manhattan's Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, quotes Joe Torre regarding his own experience with prostate cancer: "When you get the information, the fear just sort of melts away." This book should diminish many fears with its straightforward, three-part presentation. Part One introduces the normal prostate and its function. Part Two presents common prostate problems that more than half of all men will face: prostatitis and an enlarged prostate. Part Three, the most comprehensive section, presents all that's presently known about prostate cancer (prostate tumors account for one-third of all internal cancers diagnosed in men). In simple, concise prose, Scardino discusses risk factors, prevention and detection. Acknowledging the lack of a standardized treatment, Scardino presents available options and their resultant statistics. Important side effects that many men are curious about but are afraid to bring up with doctors are discussed in detail. Perhaps the book's most valuable parts lie at the beginning of every chapter, where Scardino gives a synopsis of what readers will learn in that section. This is one of the most comprehensive, accessible books on prostate cancer published to date. B&w illus. Agent, Peter Lampack. (Apr.)