Lung cancer is the number one cancer killer in the U.S., with over 170,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Despite this, it receives little attention from the media and little sympathy from the public. Those with lung cancer suffer more blame and stigma than other cancer patients, even though 50 percent of them are former smokers or have never smoked. Treatments for lung cancer can significantly impact quality of life, and the prognosis for some types and stages of lung cancer, using standard treatments, can be daunting.
In straightforward language, Lung Cancer: Making Sense of Diagnosis, Treatment & Options addresses medical, emotional, and support needs, often in the words of patients and families themselves. Topics include:
- Diagnosis and medical tests
- Characteristics of the lung cancers, factors in prognosis, and the various subtypes and staging systems for the disease
- Treatments, including standard treatments for the subtypes, as well as emerging research and promising treatments now in clinical trials
- Side effects and long-term effects of treatment, including how to cope and how to improve quality of life
- Emotional responses to diagnosis, treatment, remission, possible recurrence, and other aspects of dealing with the condition, including stories from dozens of families living with lung cancer
- Getting support from family, friends, employers, and the broader community
- Comprehensive list of lung cancer resources: organizations, print, online sites
- Other resources, including a pull-out Cancer Survivor's Treatment Record, glossary, bibliography, and technical appendices
Author and patient advocate Lorraine Johnston, with her background in life sciences, emphasizes using knowledge to dispel fear. The content has been reviewed by top medical experts and physicians in the field. Those who read this book will encounter medical facts simply explained, advice to ease their daily life, and tools to be strong advocates for themselves or a family member.
