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Psycho-Oncology
Psycho-Oncology 
19
: 1010–1011 (2010)Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com).
Book Review
Medical and Psychosocial Care of the CancerSurvivor
. Edited by Kenneth D. Miller. Jones andBartlett Publishers, Sudbury (MA), 2010. No. of pages: 479. Price: $59.95 (US), £68.99 (UK). ISBN978-0763757700.On the first page of the book’s preface, onesentence represents the entire focus of the book:‘The day of diagnosis is essentially as ‘‘unforgetta-ble’’ as are the days that follow when treatmentstarts and then finishes.’ Many of those who workthroughout the medical field focus solely onovercoming the initial period of cancer treatment,but they are not always aware of the significanteffects that cancer survivors can experience 2, 5, oreven 20 years following their diagnosis.The book
Medical and Psychosocial Care of theCancer Survivor
is divided into four parts: (1) AnIntroduction, (2) Psychological Issues, (3) Epide-miologic Issues, and (4) Medical Issues. Part 1 of this book introduces the concept of cancersurvivorship and its many challenges. This sectionoutlines the medical phases that a cancer patientgoes through, from pre-diagnosis symptomsthrough long-term survivorship. It also remindsthe reader that, in addition to medical and physicalneeds, cancer survivors commonly have needsrelated to psychological and spiritual issues. DrMiller makes it a point to discuss how entering intosurvivorship can be a time of joyous celebration,but it is also one that is accompanied by fears,worries, and a potential decrease in support.The section on psychological issues discussesvarious topics ranging from symptom managementto fertility and sexuality. Each of the 10 chapterswithin this section is very brief, direct, and offersrecommendations for helping the survivor moveforward into recovery. The chapter on Post-Traumatic Stress recognizes The Wellness Com-munity (TWC) model and the many supportgroups that it offers in 24 cities and worldwide onthe Internet. This chapter is one of the few thatgives the reader an evidence-based resource todirect patients to. The next chapter addresses theissue of post-traumatic growth and discusses thebenefits that some individuals report experiencingafter cancer diagnosis and treatment. This chapterencourages clinicians to help their patients findhope in even the smallest accomplishments whichcan reduce experiences of cancer-related distress.Chapters 6–8 go into great detail on sexuality andfertility concerns. These chapters offer a break-down on the concerns facing both men and womenand the many treatment options that are available.The chapters place a strong emphasis on the powerof communication and the need to discuss thesesensitive topics with each patient. Chapter 9 offersa wealth of information on treatment options andquality of life among prostate cancer survivors.This chapter covers the quality of life concernsassociated with each form of treatment that canoften go unmentioned. Chapter 10 discusses theimportance of genetic counseling for survivors andtheir family members. This chapter provides a goodoverview of risk factors that help to identify aperson who is at greatest risk for hereditarycancers. Chapter 11 discusses the often ignoredchallenges that face survivors who are also parents.This chapter focuses at great length on the ways inwhich parents can discuss their cancer with theirchildren, and even offers ways to discuss end-of-lifeconcerns, which is often a very sensitive topic. Thefinal chapter of part 2 looks into the important roleof the caregiver and again offers The WellnessCommunity’s online support groups as a way toavoid caregiver burnout and offer a sense of hope.Part 3 reviews a number of epidemiologic issuesrelated to cancer prevention and survivorship.Chapters 13 and 14 focus on physical activity andnutrition and the role they play in survivorship.These two chapters specifically address the positivelifestyle changes that survivors can make topotentially reduce their risk of disease recurrence.Chapters 15–17 review issues associated with secondprimary cancers and treatment-related malignancies.Chapter 16 specifically looks at the secondary effectsand long-term complications of using radiation as atreatment for Hodgkin’s disease. This chapter is avaluable resource for providers working withHodgkin’s disease survivors treated with radiation.Despite being a highly curable cancer, the secondaryeffects from treatment can be devastating. Chapter18, the final chapter in part 3, discusses healthconcerns faced by adult survivors of childhoodcancers. Often, these adult survivors’ needs are notbeing met as they transition from the pediatrichealthcare system to the adult system, and the needto develop a long-term model of care for thesepatients is emphasized as a future goal.The final part of this book discusses medicalconcerns facing survivors after the completion of cancer treatment. Each of the 12 chapters reviews amedical problem that can arise following che-motherapy or radiation. These chapters reviewcommon problems related to cardiac and pulmon-ary dysfunction, as well as problems readers maynot be so familiar with such as otologic con-sequences and rheumatic problems. The chapter on‘Chemobrain’ helps to create a sense of ‘normalcy’in relation to the cognitive deficits a survivor can
Copyright
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2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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