The Encyclopedia of Cancer (Facts on File Library of Health and Living) - Hardcover

Turkington, Carol; Lipera, William

9780816050291: The Encyclopedia of Cancer (Facts on File Library of Health and Living)

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0816050295 ISBN 13: 9780816050291

Publisher: Facts on File, 2005

A concise and comprehensive reference to this devastating, widespread disease, The Encyclopedia of Cancer provides a thorough introduction to the many different types and aspects of cancer. Covering everything from leukemia to melanoma to colon cancer, more than 400 entries detail all the basics of cancer and address its many forms. Thorough explanations of national and global statistics, gender differences, and promising research are included, as well as lists of organizations linked to oncology and patient issues, and much more. The most comprehensive single-volume reference of its kind, this encyclopedia is essential for school and public libraries, general readers, and professionals alike.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

About the Author:

Extensive appendixes include a directory of cancer organizations and Web sites, listings of common medical terminology, and a comprehensive bibliography.

From Booklist:

Thanks to continuing research and medical advances, mortality rates for many of the more common types of cancer are decreasing. The overall steady mortality decline is also attributed to public-awareness campaigns, prevention education, and cancer screenings. The purpose of this encyclopedia is to dispel myths and misconceptions and clarify and reinforce concepts and available options in an effort to create more positive attitudes for patients and caregivers.

More than 400 cancer-related topics are arranged alphabetically in dictionary format. Acronyms, specific cancers, medical procedures, and organizations are interfiled. The entries range in size from only a brief sentence to several pages of description. The longest and most detailed entries usually describe specific forms of cancer (Brain cancer, Lung cancer); surgical procedures (mastectomy); screening techniques (mammography); and relevant topics such as African Americans and cancer, Cell phones, Diet, and Pain control. Most cancer descriptions include causes or risk factors, symptoms, diagnoses, staging, treatment, and, where applicable, prognosis. Three appendixes, a glossary, an extensive bibliography, and a general index complete the volume.

The list of associations in appendix 1 is arranged by subject, with contact information included for grass-roots advocacy groups, national nonprofit and profit organizations, clearinghouses, foundations, and information networks. A national selection of cancer treatment centers, arranged by state, is found in appendix 2. Two lists of human carcinogens--the known and the "reasonably anticipated"--comprise appendix 3.

All in all, the encyclopedia is an excellent resource for its designated audience of general readers, caregivers, and cancer patients. By no means comprehensive, it is a factual and thorough introduction to an extremely complex disease family. Those seeking more in-depth information should consult sources such as The Gale Encyclopedia of Cancer: A Guide to Cancer and Its Treatments (2001). Ann Cohen
Copyright � American Library Association. All rights reserved

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.