Lung Cancer: Myths, Facts, Choices--and Hope [Paperback]

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

Book Description

Publication Date: November 2003 | ISBN-10: 0393324982 | ISBN-13: 978-0393324983

An authoritative book with new lifesaving strategies for those at risk and those already diagnosed.

Lung cancer kills more women than breast cancer, more men than prostate cancer. This authoritative book presents new lifesaving strategies for those already diagnosed and those at risk (including ex-smokers).

Lung cancer is deadly because it's usually found late. Dr. Claudia Henschke's groundbreaking research on early diagnosis, published in Lancet, made headlines worldwide. Now, for the first time, she offers specific recommendations based on her latest findings: who needs to be checked and how to get tested.

People with lung cancer often are told, "Nothing can be done." Not so! Dr. Henschke and coauthor Peggy McCarthy, a leading patient advocate, provide up-to-the-minute advice, along with inspiring quotes from survivors.

If lung cancer has touched your life—or if you have reason for concern—this comprehensive and compassionate book can help:

Understand how the lungs work and how cancer develops.

Pinpoint risk factors and the sometimes surprising symptoms, like back pain or swollen fingertips, that can signal a problem.

Learn how to find the best doctors and the latest treatments.

Remain healthy, active, and pain-free during and after treatment.

Cope with emotional and practical concerns, such as telling the children, dealing with guilt, and getting the most out of your insurance.

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. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company (November 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0393324982
• ISBN-13: 978-0393324983
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #717,523 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #21 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.