Cancer Survivorship Sourcebook, 4th Ed.

Cancer is not a singular disease but rather a collection of related conditions characterized by cells that persistently grow and divide, failing to die as they should. This unchecked proliferation can damage various tissues and organs, leading to a wide range of symptoms and even death. According to the National Center for Health Statistics of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), from 2001 to 2020, cancer death rates decreased 27 percent, shifting from 196.5 to 144.1 deaths per 100,000 U.S. population. While this decline signifies more survivors, navigating cancer survivorship remains challenging. Even after concluding cancer treatment, survivors require ongoing medical follow-up to manage the long-term effects of treatments, monitor potential recurrences, and address the risk of developing secondary cancers. Often, they face gaps in information needed for treatment decisions, maintaining their health, preventing disability, and managing the economic aspects related to cancer care.

Cancer Survivorship Sourcebook, Fourth Edition opens with the basics of cancer, featuring quick statistics and tips on selecting a doctor for cancer care. Tailored for cancer patients, their families, friends, and caregivers, it provides essential information on cancer care, treatment advancements, and insights into clinical trials. The book also provides guidance for coping with the side effects and complications of cancer treatments. It covers emotional, cognitive, and mental health issues in cancer care, emphasizing the challenges of maintaining wellness during and after cancer treatment. Additionally, the book includes a glossary of cancer care terms, a directory of resources for cancer patients, and information about financial assistance for cancer care.

Part 1: Dealing with Cancer Diagnosis begins with the basics of cancer and its prevalence in the United States. It outlines the steps involved in locating qualified cancer care services, furnishing essential facts about the diagnostic tests, and providing insights on understanding the diagnosis. Additionally, it offers advice for supporting loved ones within the family context.

Part 2: Treatment and Cancer Care Decisions gives an understanding of the prognosis of cancer. It also provides an overview of commonly used cancer treatments, medications, and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices. Additionally, it explores the use of palliative and hospice care and describes the potential transitions that may occur if cancer treatments prove ineffective in halting the progression of the disease.

Part 3: Clinical Trials and Cancer Research Updates offers guidance for cancer patients contemplating participating in cancer-related research studies. It explains the commonly employed procedures in clinical trials and provides guidance on how to identify suitable trials. Furthermore, it presents updated information on recent research findings, emerging treatments, and ongoing research initiatives that promise hope for future advancements.

Part 4: Managing Treatment Side Effects discusses common side effects associated with frequently used cancer treatments. It explains the reasons behind physical manifestations such as nausea, vomiting, appetite loss, hair loss, weight changes, gastrointestinal issues, oral health concerns, alopecia, and fatigue. It also includes practical recommendations for addressing these late effects and other medical complications stemming from cancer treatment.

Part 5: Emotional, Cognitive, and Mental Health Issues in Cancer Care provides facts about the nonphysical effects and challenges associated with cancer and its treatment. These include changes in self-perception resulting from illness or transformative surgical interventions and strategies individuals employ to adapt to these changes. It also describes potential mental health conditions accompanying cancer treatment, such as depression, anxiety, distress, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Part 6: Wellness Strategies for the Cancer Survivor outlines actionable steps that cancer survivors can adopt to optimize their health both during and after treatment. These include maintaining a nutritious diet, available nutrition support options, engaging in rehabilitative programs, exercising, and strategies for smoking cessation. Subsequent chapters address the challenges and considerations of transitioning back to a healthy life posttreatment.

Part 7: Additional Help and Information includes a glossary of cancer care terms, along with terminology commonly used by health insurance companies and in medical billing. It also provides directories of resources available to offer services and support for cancer patients and their families.