Fighting Cancer with Knowledge and Hope

A Guide for Patients, Families, and Health Care Providers

Richard C. Frank, M.D.

• Winner of the 2010 Will Solimene Award for Excellence in Medical Communication, given by the New England Chapter of the American Medical Writers Association.

• Winner of the 2010 American Medical Writers Association Medical Book Awards in the Health care professionals-nonphysician category.

Narrated by Charles Hield

Available from Audible

Book published by Yale University Press

Anyone who is diagnosed with cancer receives a frightening blow, and in many cases the diagnosis is accompanied by a bewildering array of treatment choices. In this invaluable book, Dr. Richard C. Frank offers comfort and help to cancer patients, their families, and their caretakers. Dr. Frank empowers patients by unlocking the mysteries of the disease and explaining in plain language the ways to confront and combat it.

An award-winning medical oncologist recognized for his humanitarian approach as well as his research accomplishments, Dr. Frank understands that cancer patients and their families need insight into the disease along with a sense of control. He therefore addresses these vital topics:

–what cancer is and how it spreads

–how cancer treatment strategies are chosen

–how cancer-fighting drugs work to shut down the growth of the disease

–which factors affect a patient’s prognosis

–how patients can visualize cancer treatments at work in the body and why this is helpful

–how to deal with “uncurable” cancer

–and more.

With a wealth of patient case histories, helpful coping strategies from cancer survivors, and up-to-date information on useful resources, Fighting Cancer is the book cancer patients and their loved ones can turn to with confidence and hope.

Richard C. Frank, M.D. is director of cancer research at the Whittingham Cancer Center of Norwalk Hospital, medical director of Mid-Fairfield Hospice, and Clinical Assistant Attending at Weill Cornell Medical College. He has recently been appointed cancer expert for WebMD, and was named a “Top Doc” in the New York Metro area by Castle and Connelly.

REVIEWS:

“This book simplifies the language of cancer medicine and its related science to a level that allows most patients and family members to understand the important concepts needed to make decisions about treatment and overall care. By suggesting questions for patients to ask their physicians, and reviewing different options for treatment for each of the diseases reviewed, it even offers a ‘how to do’ approach for those who are overwhelmed by the diagnosis and need that degree of guidance, or for family members who are drawn into the decision-making process....A unique aspect of this book, is Dr. Frank’s use of patient vignettes to illustrate his points. These are intertwined with the description of his own feelings about patients and circumstances that oncologists have to deal with everyday. These sections emphasize the human side of cancer.”

—Ann A. Jakubowski, Ph.D., M.D., Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

“An important resource for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.… [It] demonstrates the author’s astute knowledge coupled with profound compassion.”

—Phyllis Osterman, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

“Dr. Frank writes in a clear and compassionate manner, presenting a well organized framework for understanding cancer and participating in care. His use of patient cases helps personalize the information and offers guidance for managing the challenges of a cancer diagnosis. Fighting Cancer with Knowledge and Hope is a book that will provide confidence and direction to people with cancer and their loved ones.”

—Diane Blum, Executive Director, CancerCare

“For healthcare professionals seeking to recommend a credible and current cancer resource with confidence, this guide is invaluable.”

—Greg Gorgas, Oncology Business Review

“A reference written in plain English and an affirmation of the wholistic approach to management of the patient with cancer.... This book gives answers to all the common questions our patients have when they are faced with meeting an oncologist for the first time.”

—Cancer Forum