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Book Review by John Roberts
Published on Amazon
When the Focus Is on Care: Palliative Care and Cancer
Kathleen M. Foley, M.D., Editor
Atlanta: American Cancer Society, 2005, 337 pp.
The American Cancer Society publishes a wide range of books on cancer. This one was written by a variety of MDs, PhDs and other experts. Most cancer books are written by individual patients, doctors or good journalists. Those written by a highly-qualified group are unusual, thorough and valuable.
This book focuses on the needs of the patient in the latter stages of the disease rather than the earlier phases of treatment and cure. As death becomes more visible and likely, the patient needs special care to maintain quality of life when cure is no longer possible and the success of treatments is fading. Other problems now must be dealt with: serious illness, new legal and financial matters, caregiving and all the heavy issues related to death and grief.
The book is as much for caregivers as it is for patients. It is said that there should be caregivers for the caregivers, who go through many emotional, financial and activity management problems of their own. This book provides the expert information and advice that will help both patients and caregivers solve problems, maintain hope and positive attitudes and prepare for final days.
Every year in America, more than 500,000 people die of cancer. Most of them will face the problems covered in this book. As I deal with my own cancer, survey the literature and research and write a book about my experience and how to fight the disease, this essential book rises to the top of my recommended list.
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