Lung Cancer: Myths, Facts, Choices--And Hope [Hardcover]

Claudia I. Henschke (Author), Peggy McCarthy (Author), Sarah Wernick (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 2002

Winner of the 2003 American Society of Journalists and Authors' June Roth Memorial Award for Health and Medical Books. An authoritative book with new lifesaving strategies for those at risk and those already diagnosed. Lung cancer kills more women than does breast cancer, more men than prostate cancer. That's because lung cancer is usually found too late. Claudia Henschke's groundbreaking research on early diagnosis made headlines worldwide. Now, for the first time, she offers specific recommendations based on her latest findings: who needs to be checked, where to be tested, and what to expect. Dr. Henschke and co-author Peggy McCarthy, a leading patient advocate, provide up-to-the-minute information on treatment, with inspiring quotes from survivors. The book describes how the lungs work and how cancer develops. Questionnaires pinpoint risk factors (including past as well as current smoking) and the sometimes surprising symptoms, like back pain or swollen fingertips, that can signal a problem. Henschke and McCarthy explain how to remain healthy, active, and pain-free during and after treatment. They also address emotional and practical concerns, such as coping with guilt and dealing with insurance. 15 b/w illustrations.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The sheer volume of information presented here is the strength of this comprehensive manual on lung cancer. Writing with freelancer Wernick, Henschke, chief of the division of chest imaging at New York Hospital Cornell Medical Center, provides a medical perspective on the disease, while McCarthy, founder of the Alliance for Lung Cancer Advocacy, Support and Education (ALCASE) offers support for those afflicted as well as their caregivers. From the outset, McCarthy makes clear that the tendency of family members as well as some health-care professionals to blame smokers (nonsmokers are also diagnosed with lung cancer) when they contract lung cancer not only leads to guilt, but may actually discourage some people from seeking adequate treatment. The authors describe the many forms of lung cancer and their treatments, which include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and alternative therapies. They explain how to apply for clinical trials as well as the benefits and risks of participating. Since earlier detection improves the chances of a cure, the authors recommends the still controversial CT scans for those at high risk for lung cancer (i.e., former or current smokers). This excellent resource details how patients can learn to cope with the physical problems resulting from some treatments, how to sustain themselves emotionally while fighting the disease and ways to navigate the health-care system. An excellent resource. B&w illus.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Lung cancer kills more Americans each year than prostate, colon, and breast cancer combined. The five-year survival rate is an abysmally low 14 percent largely because the disease is symptomless at a stage when most curable. With new developments in CT scanning, early detection, and treatment can improve survival to 70 percent or better. Henschke (Cornell Medical Ctr.) and lung cancer patient advocate McCarthy have written a thorough guide to the basics of how lung cancer develops, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment options, and living well with lung cancer. They address the guilt and stigma felt by smokers (and ex-smokers) and suggest ways to deal with unsympathetic family members and even healthcare providers. Treatment modalities detailed here include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, with additional chapters on alternative therapies such as acupuncture for painand getting access to the latest treatment through clinical trials. Practical issues such as insurance and estate planning, hospice care, caregiver support, and other concerns are very well covered. For a similar book, see Lung Cancer: Making Sense of Diagnosis, Treatment, and Options. Recommended for patient education and consumer health collections. Anne C. Tomlin, Auburn Memorial Hosp., NY
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company; 1 edition (July 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0393041549
• ISBN-13: 978-0393041545
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.4 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,600,399 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #99 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Aging > Cancer > Lung Cancer

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This Is My Cancer Guide!, October 10, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Lung Cancer: Myths, Facts, Choices--And Hope (Hardcover)

My mother was recently diagnosed with Stage IV Lung Cancer and this book has been by our sides the whole time. I was quite impressed with the book's clarity of details and "understandability". So often , information in books regarding illnesses of this magnitude can clutter and confuse the mind, this book set me straight. We were able to understand the physicians during various appointments and we were able to ask good questions. Knowledge allowed us a little bit of control in a very out of control situation, and I believe this book helped tremendously.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 5 year Lung Cancer Survivor, February 1, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Lung Cancer: Myths, Facts, Choices--And Hope (Hardcover)

As a 5 year+ Lung Cancer Survivor, I have read many books on this life threatening disease. This one is by far the best! It is accurate, enlightening, and very understandable to a layman. It is easy to read and I highly recommend it!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great wealth of help, hope and knowledge, September 19, 2005

By 

M. Johnson "eager to learn" (Washington State) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Lung Cancer: Myths, Facts, Choices--and Hope (Paperback)

When my mom was diagnosed with Lung Cancer, I didn't know enough about it. I purchased several books on lung cancer but found this one easy to read, direct and to the point. This book helped me understand when the Oncologist talked about the stage of mom's cancer and the options available. Not only did this book give me a clearer overall picture of lung cancer, it is an awesome resourcetool and assisted me in the proper questions to ask the doctor. I recommend this book to anyone who has just been diagnosed or has family or a friend who has.