Lung Cancer Myths, Facts, Choices--and Hope

by Henschke, Claudia I.; McCarthy, Peggy; Wernick, Sarah

• ISBN13: 9780393324983
• ISBN10: 0393324982
• Edition: 00
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-11-17
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company

Summary

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?r if you have reason for concern?his 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.

Author Biography

Claudia I. Henschke, Ph.D., M.D., is chief, Division of Chest Imaging, at the New York Presbyterian Hospital -- Cornell Medical Center and professor of radiology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University Peggy McCarthy, MBA, is the founder of the Alliance for Lung Cancer Advocacy, Support, and Education (ALCASE) and works internationally for lung cancer awareness Sarah Wernick, Ph.D., is an award-winning freelance health writer

Table of Contents

An Important Message for Readers	xi
Acknowledgments	xiii
Part I The Changing Face of Lung Cancer
Chapter 1 New Information That Could Save Your Life	1	(11)
Chapter 2 Clearing the Air about Guilt	12	(9)
Part II The Basics
Chapter 3 How Your Lungs Work	21	(10)
Chapter 4 when Cancer Intrudes	31	(12)
Part III Beating Your Risk Factors
Chapter 5 Now You Can Find It Early	43	(17)
Chapter 6 Are You at Risk?	60	(19)
Chapter 7 Encouraging News for Smokers	79	(20)
Part IV When Lung Cancer Strikes
Chapter 8 Diagnosis and Staging	99	(24)
Chapter 9 Coping with the News	123	(18)
Part V Taking Charge of Treatment
Chapter 10 Preparing for Effective Treatment	141	(23)
Chapter 11 Surgery	164	(20)
Chapter 12 Chemotherapy	184	(27)
Chapter 13 Radiation Therapy	211	(19)
Chapter 14 Getting Access to the Latest Treatments	230	(18)
Chapter 15 Complementary and Alternative Therapies	248	(23)
Part VI Living with Lung Cancer
Chapter 16 Treatment Is Finished-Now What?	271	(15)
Chapter 17 Optimizing the Quality of Your Life	286	(20)
Chapter 18 A Message for Caregivers	306	(8)
Chapter 19 The Practicalities	314	(26)
Chapter 20 It's Never Too Late to Hope	340	(13)
Afterword	353	(2)
Glossary	355	(16)
Index	371	(18)
About the Authors	389