CANCER SOURCEBOOK FOR WOMEN, 4th edition

Abstract

Smeraldi reviews Cancer Sourcebook for Women, 4th edition edited by Karen Bellenir.

HEALTH Karen Bellenir, ed., CANCER SOURCEBOOK FOR WOMEN, 4th edition. Detroit, MI: Omnigraphics Press, 2010. (Health reference series.) 698p. glossary. index. $95.00, ISBN 978-0780811393.

Reviewed by Ann Marie Smeraldi

Historically, women have been underrepresented in medical research and clinical trials. The study of disease and the development of therapeutic treatments have focused predominantly on white male subjects, forcing women to adhere to medical protocols that fail to consider their unique needs. Similarly, many health handbooks, in an effort to be all-inclusive, offer only brief chapters addressing women's concerns. The Cancer Sourcebook for Women breaks this tradition by focusing on "gynecological cancers and other cancers of special concern to women" (p. xiii).

This easy-to-read handbook from the Omnigraphics Health Reference series offers basic information on breast, cervical, endometrial, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar cancers and gestational tumors, in a condensed format. The book begins with a review of cancer and cancer risk factors, but quickly focuses its attention on gender-specific cancer risks, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and hormonal medications. Gynecological conditions that are not associated with cancer are also briefly discussed, in an effort to dispel any misconceptions that these conditions are indicative of cancer. Throughout the book, a question-and-answer format successfully anticipates readers' concerns. Part IV includes a review of cancers responsible for the highest number of deaths among females; the information in this section is much briefer and more general than that in the others.

The Cancer Sourcebook for Women presents useful information on diagnosis and treatment. Readers will find helpful suggestions for being proactive and working with their health care providers during treatment. The book is written with the assumption that the authence has no prior knowledge of the subject matter; medical terms and tests are clearly explained, and concise descriptions are provided for surgical procedures commonly used to treat gynecological cancers. Treatment options from chemotherapy and radiation to biological and alternative therapies are discussed.

This work presents a holistic overview of cancer in women by including relevant information about psychological and emotional effects as well as physical. Part VI summarizes the physical side effects that can result both from the natural progression of the disease and from its treatment, and practical strategies for coping with these physical symptoms are offered. The final section begins with supportive information to help patients increase wellbeing and maintain life quality; tips for dealing with mental health issues such as depression and anger are given. Topics of special concern to female cancer survivors, such as sexuality, fertility, and pregnancy after cancer, are also discussed.

This volume's readability and organizational scheme make the content highly accessible. The table of contents provides a detailed outline, and the glossary, index, and layout enhance the book's usability. There is also a directory of information sources and support groups. The brevity of the entries tends to leave the reader wanting more, but overall this work provides an informative introduction, especially for the newly diagnosed, to a difficult topic. Intended for the layperson, this book is recommended for public libraries; academic libraries that include consumer health information in their collections may also wish to purchase it.