From Booklist , October 15, 1998

Devastated by the 1990 death of his partner from breast cancer, Bognar spent the next eight years doing research on the subject. The result is this resource guide (and a companion four-hour video) for cancer patients and their families, covering the emotional shock and disorientation at diagnosis, the choice of a healing program, and the emotional, spiritual, and psychological issues of a life-threatening and often terminal disease. Eight of nine thematic chapters end with in-depth interviews with leaders in conventional and alternative healing approaches (e.g., Bernie Siegel, Lawrence LeShan, and Bruce Chabner of the National Cancer Institute). Bognar looks at all research and therapies with a balanced, critical eye. Short discussions of tests and treatments are clearly written and immediately followed by lists of resources, including books, institutions, telephone numbers, and Web sites. Appendixes include lists of cancer-care centers, organizations and support groups, and cancer-related seminars. A balanced, highly recommended guide to help the cancer patient be a well-informed consumer. Penny Spokes

Synopsis

A thorough, state-of-the-art overview of all current mainstream, alternative, and complementary methods of fighting cancer, this book is the companion to the four-part series of the same name, hosted by Walter Cronkite, airing on PBS-TV in September 1998.

Copyright© 1998, American Library Association. All rights reserved