Own Your Cancer: A Take-Charge Guide for the Recently Diagnosed and Those Who Love Them

Dr. Peter Edelstein has learned by listening to his patients and their families--whose lives have suddenly been up-ended by a diagnosis of cancer--that they need a partner to help them navigate their new, complex world. It is critical that cancer patients take charge of their health and "own their cancer" in order to remain in control of this confusing and frightening process. This extremely accessible book is that expert partner, offering a combination of crucial medical education clearly and comfortably explained along with personal guidance gleaned from real patient experiences. In an informed, compassionate, and respectful manner, "Dr. E" translates the challenging medical and psychological issues facing the cancer patient into lay terms, as well as outlining options for "owning" the path ahead. The result empowers patients and their loved ones to take control of their treatment regardless of cancer type or stage, to maintain their independence, and to oversee the processes which will determine their ultimate survival and quality of life.

“Own Your Cancer is a call to arms for those recently diagnosed. Dr. Peter Edelstein’s deep well of experience as a cancer surgeon, coupled with his strong voice, combine to create an authentic, knowledgeable, and detailed text of how to navigate the early days of cancer diagnosis: those must-dos and those never-dos. This isn’t your mother’s cancer self-help book. His mano-a-mano, direct style is best thought of as advice from your buddy who always has the right answers and is unafraid to tell you so.”   —Rick Boulay, MD, division director of gynecologic oncology, Lehigh Valley Health Network

“Being a doctor is one thing. Being a doctor who ‘gets it’ is entirely another. Dr. Peter Edelstein’s experience, perspective, and attitude clearly separate him from the pack, and this book embodies just that—a no-nonsense and disruptive take on the traditional ‘Welcome To Cancer’ book that no one reads anyway.”    —Matthew Zachary, founder, StupidCancer.org

An indispensable, accessible resource and handbook for recently diagnosed patients with cancer and their loved ones, on the options for treatment, understanding emotions, and caring for each other.

Peter Edelstein MD, FACS, FASCRS, is a double-board certified physician with years of experience as a surgeon working with cancer patients. A highly sought-after speaker, he has delivered hundreds of interactive lectures, both for the medical community and the general population during his training at The University of Chicago, the University of California, and the University of Minnesota, and subsequently as a member of the Surgical Faculty at Stanford University. OwnYourCancer.com