By Gerald P. Murphy,
M.D., Lois B. Morris, and Dianne Lange
Reviewed by Sarah Jane Tew, B.S.
This is an excellent book and a must
for anyone interested in learning more about cancer and the available
treatments. It is also a great source for information on living
and coping with cancer. The book is well organized into seven parts
entitled:
- Is It Cancer?
- Why Me? Why Now? What Now?
- Treatment Strategies
- Living The Best You Can With Cancer
- Advancing Illness
- Special Needs
- Encyclopedia of Common Cancers
Each section addresses concerns that
individuals faced with a diagnosis of cancer now have. The diagrams
and charts in each section help simplify complex ideas, and bold-faced
subheadings make it easier to find the section you are looking for.
One of the most impressive parts of
the book is the Encyclopedia of Common and Uncommon Cancers found
in part VII of the book. The encyclopedia describes cancers affecting
entire body systems as well as those affecting individual organs.
Illustrations to help the reader understand basic anatomy. Each
encyclopedia entry contains information organized by the following
subheadings:
- Who Is At Risk?
- Screening Tests
- Types Of Cancers
- Signs And Symptoms
- Diagnostic And Staging Tests
- Tests Unique To That Type of Cancer
- Staging
- Treatment
- Survival
- Special Needs
- Ask About É
Unfortunately
for people or families with hereditary forms of cancer, this book
does not always address issues relevant to them. Instead the screening
recommendations and treatment options discussed in this book are
intended more for people at general population risk for cancer.
Individuals with inherited cancer predispositions should discuss
screening and treatment options with their personal physician or
oncologist. Nevertheless, this book can be a helpful resource for
better understanding cancer terminology and resources for coping
with cancer.
Price & Contact Information:
- $29.95
- Contact the American Cancer Society by phone
at: 1-800-ACS-2345
- Or write to them at: 1599 Clifton Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
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