Book Details
- Explains, in non-technical language, what cancer is and what it does
- Uses examples of cancer healthcare from around the world
- Explores the political and economic context of cancer care
- Considers the future of cancer care, research, and breakthroughs in realising a cure
- Part of the bestselling Very Short Introductions series
In 1961 John F. Kennedy pledged to put a man on the moon by the end of the decade. Nine years later, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the moon. Ten years later, Richard Nixon echoed this pledge by declaring a 'war' on cancer. More than 30 years later, however, cancer remains one of the largest causes of death worldwide, with around 1 in 3 developing the disease. Curing cancer is not 'rocket science', but the question is, why has cancer proved to be harder to tackle than the moon landings turned out to be? Cancer research is a major economic activity. There are constant improvements in treatment techniques that result in better cure rates and increased quality and quantity of life for those with the disease, yet stories of breakthroughs in a cure for cancer are often in the media. In this Very Short Introduction Nick James, founder of the CancerHelp UK website, examines the trends in diagnosis and treatment of the disease, as well as its economic consequences. Asking what cancer is and what causes it, he considers issues surrounding expensive drug development, what can be done to reduce the risk of developing cancer, and the use of complementary and alternative therapies.
- Binding Paperback
- Author/s James, Nick
- ISBN13 9780199560233
- ISBN10 0199560234
- Pages 152
- Collection Very Short Introductions #267
- Published 2011
- Language English
Cancer: A Very Short Introduction
- Author Nick James
- Publisher OXFORD U.P.
- ISBN 9780199560233
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