Although cancer became increasingly common during
the twentieth century, at the same time the chances of a cure have steadily
improved. Even those people whose cancer can’t yet be cured are living
longer and have a better quality of life.
This book does not discuss particular cancers in detail, but aims to give
a brief introduction to what is known about the nature of cancer, what can
now be done for cancer patients, and what is likely to happen during treatment
and care. Understanding Cancer has been written for anyone who has cancer,
and their families and friends, in the hope that they will find it informative
and helpful.
Dr Gareth Rees FRCP, FRCR trained at the Welsh
National School of Medicine. He is Clinical Director at the Bristol Haematology &
Oncology Centre and a Consultant in Clinical Oncology there and at the Royal
United Hospital in Bath. He chairs the Clinical Oncology Patient Liaison Group
at the Royal College of Radiologists.
