What you might not hear about Prostate Cancer and Benign Enlargement

1. Don't make an emotional decision
      A cancer diagnosis can create anxiety in even the most intelligent men. It is easy
         in such circumstances to make rash decisions which can lead to undesirable side effects. You 
         owe it to yourself to let the initial shock wear off. Afterwards, get as many opinions as you 
         need to be confident in what is right for you. 
2. Go beyond the internet
       With all the podcasts, videos, and other content on the internet, people sometimes forget about
          other resources. Your local prostate cancer support association (such as PCSANM or US TOO)
         can put you in touch with people who have gone through the process before. These people are 
         valuable in educating you about what particular treatments look like from the patient perspective.
3. There is a spectrum of disease
       Treating all prostate cancers with surgery, radiation, or other modality ignores the fact that one
          person's cancer is typically different from another's. Low, intermediate, and high-risk disease have
          different options. For benign enlargement, one must be aware of anatomic variations that can make
          certain procedures less successful. For example, median lobes (intravesical protrusion) are problematic
          for patients undergoing many newer procedures.
4. Be aware of biases
       You need an advocate who can help you understand what is really behind certain recommendations. 
5. Most people have some time to make a decision
       Again, do your due diligence. Prostate surgery is not like removing a mole. With so much at stake, 
          you need to determine not just what to do but who you trust to help you.
6. Newer and high-tech is not necessarily better
       Although Dr. Shah utilizes many advanced techniques like MRI-fusion biopsy, tissue-based genetic testing, 
          and latest-generation daVinci robotic surgery, he is also aware that many times new treatments fade out.
          Fads in surgery are common. Dr. Shah can help you understand what has value and what you might
          consider passing on.