Cancer Sourcebook for Women

According to the National Cancer Institute, cancer continues to take a devastating toll. Among women in the United States, cancer is the second-leading cause of death after heart disease. Medical researchers fighting against cancer have made significant progress, however. In recent years, cancer incidence rates have been stable, and--although the annual rate of decline in cancer death rates among men have been twice as large as the declines in women--mortality has decreased for ten of the top 15 cancers in women. With improved cancer screening programs and innovative treatments, women receiving a cancer diagnosis today have a better chance of overcoming their disease than ever before. Cancer Sourcebook for Women, Fourth Edition offers updated information about gynecologic cancers and other cancers of special concern to women, including breast cancer, cancers of the female reproductive organs, and cancers responsible for the highest number of deaths in women. It explains cancer risks--including lifestyle factors, inherited genetic abnormalities, and hormonal medications--and methods used to diagnose and treat cancer. Practical suggestions for coping with the treatment side effects are provided, and a section on cancer survivorship discusses methods for maintaining quality of life during and after treatment. The book concludes with a glossary of cancer-related terms, a directory of resources, and facts about locating support groups.