What You Really Need to Know About Cancer: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Their Families

Rating:
Summary: This is the first book a cancer patient should purchase
Review: I was diagnosed with cancer less than a year ago and have read several books that describe cancer etiology, symptoms, and treatment. This is *by far* the most useful. Various chapters describe how cancer spreads, what the emotional and physical consequences will be, and what kinds of therapies are available. The heart of the book is a series of chapters numbering about 200 pages (!) explaining the symptoms and treatment of every major type of cancer, and probably most minor types.

What makes this book especially valuable is its clear, direct writing style which uses layman's terms but is still informative, without being condescending or too general. The author obviously has had a great deal of experience conveying medical information to laypeople. His compassion also comes through clearly and shows his sensitivity to the feelings of the cancer patient and those around him or her.

This is one of the few books about cancer that I will probably use as a reference and return to again and again.

Rating:
Summary: Best book on Cancer I found for a newly diagnosed patient
Review: Of all the books I checked out from the library, or borrowed from friends this was the best. Covers types of cancers and the symptoms and treatments of each. Chapters on causes of cancer and the latest research. Details for patients and their families on emotional reactions, alternative treatments, and living with being a cancer survior/patient. I originally borrowed this and 6 others from the library, and decided I could not live without a copy of my own (the only book on Cancer I have purchased). If you or someone you care about has recently been diagnosed get this book.

Rating:
Summary: Best book on Cancer I found for a newly diagnosed patient
Review: Of all the books I checked out from the library, or borrowed from friends this was the best. Covers types of cancers and the symptoms and treatments of each. Chapters on causes of cancer and the latest research. Details for patients and their families on emotional reactions, alternative treatments, and living with being a cancer survior/patient. I originally borrowed this and 6 others from the library, and decided I could not live without a copy of my own (the only book on Cancer I have purchased). If you or someone you care about has recently been diagnosed get this book.