Dr. Patrick Walsh's Guide

 Dr. Walsh on Charlie Rose on 3/31

Dr. Patrick Walsh, University Distinguished Service Professor of Urology at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, is a pioneer in the development of "the anatomic approach to radical prostatectomy," which involves nerve-sparing techniques that have reduced the probability of impotence and incontinence.

His book, Dr. Patrick Walsh’s Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer, was first published in 2001 and quickly became a best seller. The second edition, published in 2007, offers an expanded review of the newest treatment options available, including necessary (and unnecessary) tests, radiation therapy, treatment with hormones, chemotherapy, surgery, and diet.

Purchase a copy of the book from Amazon through the Prostate Cancer Foundation and a percentage of the sale will be donated to the PCF. Read Chapter 2, "Little Gland, Big Trouble".

Testimonial about Dr. Walsh and his book from Chris Evensen, Member of the Board of Directors of the Prostate Cancer Foundation

This book is written by one of the foremost experts in prostate cancer treatment and serves as a tremendous resource for patients and their families. As a prostate cancer patient, I have learned that the better informed you are, the easier it is for you and your doctors to communicate about your diagnosis and treatment. In fact, many doctors urge their prostate cancer patients to read Dr. Walsh's book to develop a better understanding of their disease and treatment options. The first edition of this book helped me better understand the roles of PSA, Partin tables, Gleason scores, and biopsies, and, ultimately, helped me determine the best course of action. Most important, from Dr. Walsh I learned not to fear prostate cancer. It is a devastating disease, but one that can be successfully treated.

The second edition of this work has been greatly expanded. It is subtitled, "Giving Yourself a Second Opinion," and includes the latest advances in treatment, including laparoscopic and robotic approaches. With input from other experts at Johns Hopkins University, the book also discusses advances in radiology and oncology as well as the role of nutrition in living with prostate cancer.

I urge you to read this book if you or your loved one is facing prostate cancer.

Testimonial about Dr. Walsh and his book from Jonathan W. Simons, MD, CEO and President of the Prostate Cancer Foundation

A century from now the scholarly contributions of Patrick C. Walsh, MD, in prostate cancer research will still be cited. Dr. Walsh's contributions in surgical approaches to cure prostate cancer patients with a relentless focus on improving quality of life, as well as his contributions in understanding the human genetics of prostate cancer, are timeless. Yet in addition to his seminal medical research contributions, Dr. Walsh has been an articulate "role model" for the central values of scientist-surgeon and medical investigator in prostate cancer research. These values have included his constant interest in the career development of the next generation of young investigators -- to be pioneers and leaders. Dr. Walsh has been an encouraging force in the lives of young physicians and scientists to test truly "field changing" but testable questions.

At a Prostate Cancer Foundation Board of Directors meeting at Johns Hopkins University in the mid-1990s, several Hopkins junior faculty members in the back of the room heard Dr. Walsh say: "If it is worth doing, it is worth doing at a world class level. We at the Brady Urological Institute at Hopkins chose not to do some things so that we may concentrate on doing a few things at a world class level of research." This new edition of this book is yet another of Dr. Walsh's "world class level contributions."

It is also fitting of Patrick Walsh, and his living legacy, that this book is for the patients and their families. Caring for them, with state of the science and state of the art urological oncology, as well as caring about improving every dimension of healing after the diagnosis of prostate cancer, is a part of how Dr. Walsh lives his life.

Patrick Walsh’s life of scholarship has helped thousands of patients and families he has never and will never meet directly. Indirectly, through this book, patients and families can seek healing information from one of the true luminaries in the field of prostate cancer research and treatment.