Colon & Rectal Cancer: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients & Families (Hardcover)

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Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

In her latest guide, medical writer Johnston takes a sweeping look at the clinical, financial, social, and research aspects of colon and rectal cancer. Unfortunately, owing to the vast amount of information amassed here, basic definitions and crucial explanations often lack clarity. Part of the problem is that the book lacks a streamlined approach to presenting data; chapters encompass far too many topics grouped under one broad subject. For example, "Modes of Treatment" lumps together the surgical, chemical, biological, radiological and stage/treatment fundamentals for both rectal and colon cancer. The result is a profusion of technical terms that are inadequately explained and poorly organized. Finally, as in her previous book, Non-Hodgkins Lymphomas: Making Sense of Diagnosis, Treatment, and Options (LJ 5/1/99), Johnston provides ineffective Medline search strategies that yield over 1000 citations--which is sure to overwhelm and frustrate a novice (or sick) searcher. A better alternative would be the American Cancer Society: Colorectal Cancer (Random, 1999) by Bernard Levin. Not recommended.
-Gail Hendler, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Ctr., New York
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

The fourth most common cancer, colon and rectal cancer is diagnosed in 130,000 new cases in the United States each year. As with many other cancers, the treatment environment is evolving. As a patient (or the family researcher) you need up-to-date and in-depth information to participate wisely in treatment decisions. Colon & Rectal Cancer: A Complete Guide for Patients & Families includes:

Characteristics of colon cancer, staging, suspected causes, and factors in prognosesCurrent treatment optionsClinical trials and promising future treatmentsCoping with medical tests, symptoms, and treatments Recognizing and minimizing the impact of treatment on sexual function, libido, and fertilityCaring for and adjusting to an ostomy, whether temporary or permanentEmotional responses to diagnosis, treatment, remission, and all other aspects of dealing with the condition. Stories from those living with colon cancer are included.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 528 pages
• Publisher: O'Reilly Media; 1 edition (January 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1565926331
• ISBN-13: 978-1565926332
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,261,540 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars very highly recommended for patient and spouse, August 9, 2001

By	Andrew J Brunskill "jaberwok" (Edmonds, WA United States) - See all my reviews

I was "recently" diagnosed (written in 2001) with colo-rectal cancer stage 3 and looked for a single specific reference. I thought this book was excellent. I am a medical doctor with a specific background in critically assessing medical evidence but learned of a lot of resources I had not been aware of, including cancer question list servers etc. I would buy it as early on in your treatment as possible -, things like choice of treatment center, surgeon, pre vs post surgery radiation are all things to try to become knowledgeable about as early on as possible. I think the tone of the book is exactly right, combining technical and lots of humane/quality of life advice (including how to talk with friends and younger family members) . My spouse who is a teacher but has no clinical background has also found the book excellent in answering her questions. I feel Lorraine Johnston has performed a real public service. Good luck to any patients and family, this book will definitely help you give quality survival its best chance!
Follow up seven years later- it was a very good book but I would check out some more recent alternatives as well as the treatment options and knowledge of best practice are changing continually, but I am totally grateful to be able to be here to make this suggestion! Thanks to everyone!

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars extremely informative book!, March 29, 2000

By	painter lady "onthewallbooks" (Corona, California) - See all my reviews

This book is designed for the newly diagnosed patient with colon/rectal cancer. My mother is in this position, so I just read this book. It answered just about every question imaginable,in easy-to-understand language. It is a very comprehensive, thorough, up-to-date resource.It is set up in an easy-to-follow format. It has an outstanding appendix with tons of information, including how to further research this illness. It gives dozens of web sites for the patient/family to explore fully all of their options. It even has a cardboard fold-out booklet to keep medical notes in as treatments proceed. Just about the only thing it doesn't address in full are ways to make the patient more comfortable during chemo, etc. but it does refer to many other books that cover additional topics.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars From one who has had colon cancer, June 17, 2001

By A Customer

After being diagnosed with colon cancer, I started my research by reading books on the subject.

I found this book was well wriiten, but seem to focus more on explaining the disease for family or somebody wanting to provide support for a person with colon cancer. In this respect, it does a good job in explaining the disease and giving points to consider, i.e., the type of hospital, the way to reference doctors, etc.

The book did not fit what I was looking for. I wanted a more technical explanation about the disease and what to expect during the operation and post-operative period. I did not get that comfort level from this book.