Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics Medknow Publications on behalf of the Association of Radiation Oncologists of India (AROI) ISSN: 0973-1482 EISSN: 1998-4138 Vol. 5, Num. 1, 2009, pp. 61-61

Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics, Vol. 5, No. 1, January-March, 2009, pp. 61

Book Review

The Johns Hopkins Breast Cancer Handbook for Health Care Professionals

Tiwari Meena

Radiation Oncologist Advanced Centre for Radiation Oncology, Dr. Balabhai Nanavati hospital, S.V. Road, Ville Parle(W), Mumbai - 400 056
Correspondence Address:Radiation Oncologist Advanced Centre for Radiation Oncology, Dr. Balabhai Nanavati hospital, S.V. Road, Ville Parle(W), Mumbai - 400 056, tiwarimeena@rediffmail.com

Code Number: cr09018

First Indian edition, 2008
Publisher-Meddica Press, Andheri (W), Mumbai-400053

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in females in the West and the second most common cancer in females in India. The evolution of diverse therapeutic options, along with effective screening using mammography, has reduced the incidence of this cancer, which is conventionally considered a systemic disease at the very outset.

'The Johns Hopkins Breast Cancer Handbook for Health Care Professionals,' with its concise content, can serve as a ready reference for general practitioners as well as breast cancer survivors and their families.

The book starts with patient referral issues: how to select the appropriate oncology center vis-à-vis the patient's requirements-a practical dilemma faced by many treating physicians.

Lucid descriptions of the practical aspects of treatment of breast cancer; the multimodality treatment options available, their indications, and side effects; and the recent advances, including targeted therapies and their feasibility makes this book useful to a wide spectrum of readers; wherever necessary, the authors have quoted the important trials that have provided useful evidence. Simple yet comprehensive flowcharts have been provided that can be very useful for the breast cancer survivors and their families. In addition, at the end of every chapter there is a list of frequently asked questions.

The book also deals with the psychological impact in those who survive breast cancer-an important aspect in the holistic management of malignant disease. Using flowcharts, the authors have provided an overview of the treatment of metastatic and recurrent disease, which is an excellent reference tool for primary physicians.

Simple language, a concise format, and its focus on breast cancer survivorship issues are the strong points of this book. Recommended reading for all who have to deal with breast cancer.

Copyright 2009 - Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics