UNDERSTANDING CANCER

by Bryan N. Brooke ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 1, 1973

As well as slightly more sanguine, this is a much more satisfying book than Harris' What We Know About Cancer (p. 1127) written for the general reader without writing down. And quite justifying the modifier 'well.' Dr. Brooke is a leading British cancer authority and in helping to deactivate that ""emotive word,"" cancer, explains what we often overlook -- namely the tremendous variability of this disease which may not be fatal or painful (one of the primary difficulties in promoting earlier diagnosis). At some length he explains its cellular nature -- replication is cancer and the secret lies in the nucleus of the cell at the moment of its subdivision... ""Like infection, it covers a whole range of disease, is a disordered response, mostly to environment"" without a single cause. Equally multifarious, its spread according to site; its effects, likewise; diagnostic techniques and treatment; and of course the meaninglessness of the word 'cure' which only represents survival as well as of the statistics since month or years cannot be applied to an indeterminate onset. At the close Dr. Brooke, who acknowledges that research has been at a standstill for some time, indicates some of the potential breakthroughs to be anticipated perhaps within the next ten years (many through the cytotoxic drugs which may be used in prophylaxis as well as in management). An incisive and truly instructive book which serves the truth that shall make you free.

Pub Date: March 1, 1973

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Holt, Rinehart & Winston

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1973

Categories: NONFICTION