The book is divided into five main sections. Section one provides the reader with a definition of cancer and looks at the epidemiology and predisposing factors linked to specific cancers. The second section discusses the main treament options. This is followed by a section looking at the more common site-specific cancers. Each chapter in this section addresses the issues of cancer prevention, early detection, investigations and management. The fourth section discusses problems which could be encountered by certain groups of patients, e.g. management of fungating wounds, nutritional support, altered body image and sexuality problems. The book concludes with a section looking at how complementary therapies are being integrated into the main framework of cancer care, the importance of the spiritual/cultural aspects of cancer for an individual and the complex subject of breaking bad news.

Table of contents:

Introduction.

Part One.

What is Cancer?

Health promotion.

Early detection and staging.

Part Two.

Understanding Radiotherapy and its Applications.

Understanding Cytoxic Chemotherapy.

Part Three.

Breast Cancer.

Colorectoral Cancer.

Lung Cancer.

Gynaecological Cancers.

Skin Cancers.

Haematological Malignancies.

Urological Cancers.

Head and Neck Cancers.

Childhood Cancers.

Part Four.

Fungating Tumours.

Nutritional Support.

Infection Control Issues.

Body Image and Sexuality.

Part Five.

Complementary Therapies.

Pain Control.

Breaking Bad News.