Fighting Cancer with Knowledge and Hope: A Guide for Patients, Families, and Health Care Providers (Yale University Press Health & Wellness)

Anyone who is diagnosed with cancer receives a frightening blow, and in many cases the diagnosis is accompanied by a bewildering array of treatment choices. In this invaluable book, Dr. Richard C. Frank offers comfort and help to cancer patients, their families, and their caretakers. Dr. Frank empowers patients by unlocking the mysteries of the disease and explaining in plain language the ways to confront and combat it. An award-winning medical oncologist recognized for his humanitarian approach as well as his research accomplishments, Dr. Frank understands that cancer patients and their families need insight into the disease along with a sense of control.He therefore addresses these vital topics: what cancer is and how it spreads; how cancer treatment strategies are chosen; how cancer-fighting drugs work to shut down the growth of the disease; which factors affect a patient's prognosis; how patients can visualize cancer treatments at work in the body and why this is helpful; and, how to deal with 'uncurable' cancer. With a wealth of patient case histories, helpful coping strategies from cancer survivors, and up-to-date information on useful resources, "Fighting Cancer" is a book cancer patients and their loved ones can turn to with confidence and hope.

Richard C. Frank, M.D., is director of cancer research, Whittingham Cancer Center, Norwalk Hospital, Norwalk, CT, and medical director, Mid-Fairfield Hospice, Wilton, CT.