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

Richard C. Frank MD (Author), Gale V. Parsons (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Yale University Press Health & Wellness | Publication Date: April 21, 2009

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“An important resource for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.… [It] demonstrates the author’s astute knowledge coupled with profound compassion."—Phyllis Osterman, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

(Phyllis Osterman )

“Dr. Frank writes in a clear and compassionate manner, presenting a well organized framework for understanding cancer and participating in care. His use of patient cases helps personalize the information and offers guidance for managing the challenges of a cancer diagnosis. Fighting Cancer with Knowledge and Hope is a book that will provide confidence and direction to people with cancer and their loved ones.”—Diane Blum, Executive Director, CancerCare

(Diane Blum )

"This is a terrific book and will be a valuable tool for readers who really want to understand the pathophysiology of cancer."—Julie K. Silver, M.D., author of What Helped Get Me Through: Cancer Survivors Share Wisdom and Hope

(Julie K. Silver )

“Since reading this book, I understand cancer in a completely different way. . . .it is a ‘must have’ for people who are newly diagnosed as well as people who have been living with cancer for many years. It can be used by doctors, nurses, and therapists to explain the simple and complex realities of cancer. . . .This resource is of huge value.”—Elizabeth April-Fritz, three time breast cancer survivor

(Elizabeth April-Fritz )

“I found this book unique. It takes complex concepts, pares them down and allows the lay reader to enter a world previously reserved for physicians, scientists, and researchers. This special privilege is offered to the lay reader, enabling one to walk away with a better understanding of cancer and all its ramifications. Adding to its uniqueness is the fact that the book accomplishes its goal without sounding ‘text-bookish’ or overly pedantic.”—Carol T. Avery, Ed.D., R.N., C., co-author of Quick Look Nursing: Obstetric and Pediatric Pathophysiology

(Carol T. Avery )

“Here is a resource no cancer patient should be without. Simply written and easy to understand, Fighting Cancer answers most questions a cancer patient may have and, most important, offers hope.”—Christine Horner, M.D., F.A.C.S., author Waking the Warrior Goddess: Dr. Christine Horner’s Program to Protect against and Fight Breast Cancer

(Christine Horner )

Winner of the 2010 American Medical Writers Association Medical Book Awards in the Health care professionals-nonphysician category

(American Medical Writers Association Medical Book Awards in the Health care prof American Medical Writers Association ) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

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.

Product Details

• Paperback: 280 pages
• Publisher: Yale University Press; 1 edition (April 21, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0300151020
• ISBN-13: 978-0300151022
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,008,208 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars first class, May 4, 2009

By 

Margaret Young Brooks (Weston, CT) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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

Dr. Richard Frank has done an excellent job of imparting the knowledge every cancer patient should have. This book is beautifully written with case histories illustrating examples of successful treatment. It explains what cancer is, why and how it starts, the effects of the environment, DNA, and nutrition on its genesis. The various treatments -chemotherapy, targeted therapy, hormonal therapy, and radiation are explained. How and why each treatment works or doesn't work are discussed as well as problems a patient may have during treatment and later as a cancer survivor. It is a "must read" for all cancer patients, their loved ones, and care givers. Dr. Frank, as Head of Cancer Research at Norwalk Hospital, brings a wealth of information and understanding to this work.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For patients, caregivers, anyone who has been touched by cancer, April 6, 2009

By 

C. Baer "patient" (Wilton, CT) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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

Dr. Frank is so in tune with the emotional needs of his patients, and what it really means to deal with a cancer
diagnosis... everyone should be so lucky to have a doctor who really cares, but if they aren't, at least
now they can have this book. I highly recommend...

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to understand, April 6, 2009

By 

Cancer patient - See all my reviews

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

This book explained how cancer cells work in terms that anyone can understand. It also explained many of the treatments available. The book gives very helpful examples of different patients experieces with cancer. Dr. Frank also helps patients with stage II cancer understand why chemo after sugery, might be the best way to go. This is a great book for anyone who has cancer and anyone considering adjuvent cancer treatment.