SCIENCES

A Cancer Companion: An Oncologist's Advice on Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery

by Ranjana Srivastava
Univ. of Chicago. Oct. 2015. 368p. ISBN 9780226306643. $25; ebk. ISBN 9780226306780. MED
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While many cancer books discuss treatments, exercising, or how to tell a loved one about their diagnosis, most don't also take on topics such as whether one's death will be painful or how long they might have to live. Srivastava (Tell Me the Truth; Dying for a Chat), a practicing oncologist, covers all these things and more with sensitivity. The author writes in the first person and intersperses patient vignettes and her comments throughout the narrative. Her experiences and outlook provide a unique perspective that can be helpful for readers to understand doctors' point of view. In one chapter in particular—"Does My Oncologist Have Feelings?"—her viewpoint is especially valuable. Each section ends with "key points," which serve as solid summaries for readers.
VERDICT A quality general book about cancer, this title should particularly appeal to those newly diagnosed or those caring for someone with cancer. Also recommended for persons with questions about this disease.
Reviewed by Leigh Mihlrad, FDIC Lib., Washington, DC , Sep 15, 2015
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