From Library Journal
In writing this book, Altman, a former cancer patient and author of The Complete Book of Home Environmental Hazards ( LJ 6/1/90), and Sarg, the associate chief of the Oncology Section at New York City's St. Vincent's Hospital, sought to compile all the terms the average cancer patient might encounter during the course of his or her illness and to define them in language a lay reader could understand. They have succeeded admirably in transforming the technical and frightening terminology of cancer into understandable and less intimidating terms. Arranged in an alphabetical format, their dictionary contains over 2500 entries for types of cancer, drug therapies, surgical procedures, and other cancer treatments. Risk factors, diagnostic tests and procedures, and other terms related to cancer are also included. The volume is extensively cross-referenced and also has appendixes for support groups, comprehensive cancer centers, and clinical trials cooperative groups. Recommended for all public libraries and libraries with consumer health collections.
- Kathleen McQuiston, Philadelphia Coll. of Pharmacy & ScienceCopyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
There have been many advances in molecular biology and technology since the first edition of
The Cancer Dictionary appeared in 1992. Basic research in these fields has produced new drugs, treatments, and strategies for cancer therapy.
This revision of the dictionary contains more than 2,500 alphabetical entries. The entries cover all aspects of cancer diagnosis and treatment: types of cancer (Hodgkin's disease, Small cell lung cancer), diagnostic tests (Esophagoscopy, Needle aspiration biopsy), drugs (Navelbine, Vincristine), surgical procedures (Total abdominal hysterectomy, Transurethral resection), other treatments (Particle beam therapy, Intraperitoneal radiotherapy), risk factors (Breast cancer genes, Smoking), alternative therapies and unconventional treatments (Imagery, Laetrile), preventive measures (Mammogram, Pap smear), and side effects (Nausea and vomiting, Pruritus). Entries range in length from one sentence to several paragraphs, and some have black-and-white drawings. Cross-references appear as small capitals within the text. Several appendixes contain referral lists of organizations and cancer treatment centers with toll-free telephone numbers, e-mail, and Web addresses if these are available. A bibliography (with many older references) and a subject index complete the work.
The Cancer Dictionary is useful for brief definitions of terms and ready-reference questions, but those in need of more detailed information about specific cancers or treatments should consult other resources, such as Everyone's Guide to Cancer Therapy: How Cancer Is Diagnosed, Treated, and Managed Day to Day (3d ed., Andrews and McMeel, 1998).
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--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
