Author: Val Speechley & Maxine Rosenfield

Straightforward, positive and practical answers to all your questions. Whether you have cancer yourself, or are caring for someone who does, you will find in this book the information you need to reassure yourself, and enable you to take control. 

Cancer at your fingertips explains all the complicated medical terms, and what the various treatments involve. It shows you that it is possible to have a good quality of life with cancer, and offers practical advice on how to adapt your lifestyle if necessary.

Gives you up-to-date and medically accurate information on a whole range of topics. Covers diagnosis and treatment, to management and self-help, including mobility, feelings, sexual relationships and much, much more.

The expert authors address the physical and emotional upheaval that cancer can bring on. They discuss its impact on the whole family, offering positive help and advice.

• Answers over 470 questions actually asked by people with cancer and their families
• Gives you the information you need to feel in control of your cancer
• Tackles questions you may feel uneasy asking your doctor

Questions include:

• What are the most common types of cancer?
• What are the signs or symptoms of cancer?
• If my doctor suspects I might have cancer what happens next?
• What’s the difference between chemotherapy and radiotherapy?
• Will I get radiation sickness?
• Will I see the doctor regularly during treatment?
• Will having cancer affect my fertility?
• How can hormones be used to treat cancer?
• How do biological therapies work?
• How do I find out if there is a clinical trial being run which might benefit me?
• I don’t want any more treatment, can I refuse what the doctor offer?
• Is there a special diet I should follow because I have cancer?
• Can meditation be useful for someone who has cancer?
• What is lymphoedema?
• Why me?
• How soon after treatment can I start driving again?
• Does having cancer mean I have to stop having a sex life?
• Can I continue to work during my treatment?
• Am I entitled to any other welfare benefits?
• Can I get life insurance if I have had cancer?
• What is terminal care?

“I cannot recall a patient nor relative nor friend who didn’t seek the reassurance which comes from authoritative answers to their troubled questions. And this book provides them. Roy Castle read the first edition of this book shortly before his tragic death fom lung cancer. He was not always complimentary about the caring professions’ communication skills, language or techniques, but he strongly endorsed this book. So do I.”
From the foreword by Professor Gordon McVie, former Director General, Cancer Research Campaign

“It is an excellent book - I just wish I'd written it myself!”
Beverley van der Molen, Patient Information Officer, Royal Marsden NHS Trust