A guide to common questions regarding cancer, along with a substantial collection of resources.
Cancer and Complementary Medicine, 2012) uses a Q-and-A structure to present comprehensive information about cancer, its diagnosis, and its methods of treatment. The approach is informative rather than advisory, providing definitions of common terms and lists of screening and diagnostic tests without encouraging readers to pursue particular courses of action. Each chapter features concise answers in straightforward language that will be easy for nonspecialists to follow. There’s also a list of references, including citations of studies published by the National Institutes of Health and other established research facilities. Lee avoids both alarmism and criticism; for example, she addresses controversial topics, such as the possible overuse of medical screening tests, without passing judgments or making suggestions about patient behavior. The book’s professional, detached tone lends authority to its straight-ahead statements. Its Q-and-A structure is also largely effective though occasionally awkward, as when it forces periodic summaries into its format (“Thus far, we have covered the foundational components of cancer care, symptom management, integrative oncology, guideline development, screening and treatment guidelines”). There are also occasional instances of acronym-laden prose (“if standards were available for developing valid SRs and CPGs, then the public and clinicians should have greater trust in these CPGs”), but Lee generally avoids esoteric jargon. Indeed, the book makes a point of clearly defining standard medical terminology. Readers searching for factual information about cancer, rather than medical advice, will find that this book offers dispassionate, thoroughly documented clinical information.
A solid compilation of the fundamentals of cancer, its diagnosis, and its treatment.
