From Library Journal
With the many issues surrounding the causes and treatment of cancer, determining which cancer research theories are worthy of additional time and funding has become necessary. Hess (anthropology, Rensselaer Polytechnic) suggests a process for evaluating alternative research ideas, such as the theory that bacteria may play a role in tumor genesis and growth. The author explores the history of the bacterial etiology theory, reviews its scientific accuracy, and analyzes the impact of politics and society on the theory. Since much of the current funding goes to mainstream research, Hess has provided this case study to illustrate a method for determining credibility of alternative cancer theories. Once credibility has been established, funding can be distributed more equitably, he notes. Hess concludes with an interesting proposal on policy and budgetary reforms for cancer research. Recommended for academic and specialized health-science collections.?Tina Neville, Univ. of South Florida at St. Petersburg Lib.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
Review
"Explains why a significant body of scientific research has been largely ignored by cancer research institutions. Hess has clearly demonstrated the valuable role that social scientists can have in offering a neutral perspective on medical research and how it is shaped by cultural bias."
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Townsend Letter"Hess has made a careful study of one of the most intriguing themes that weaves through the recent history of unconventional approaches to cancer. Every researcher, physician, and general reader interested in this field should welcome this important and incisive contribution."
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Michael Lerner, President, Commonweal, and author of Choices in Healing
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