Colon and Rectal Cancer: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Families

In her latest guide, medical writer Johnston takes a sweeping look at the clinical, financial, social, and research aspects of colon and rectal cancer. Unfortunately, owing to the vast amount of information amassed here, basic definitions and crucial explanations often lack clarity. Part of the problem is that the book lacks a streamlined approach to presenting data; chapters encompass far too many topics grouped under one broad subject. For example, "Modes of Treatment" lumps together the surgical, chemical, biological, radiological and stage/treatment fundamentals for both rectal and colon cancer. The result is a profusion of technical terms that are inadequately explained and poorly organized. Finally, as in her previous book, Non-Hodgkins Lymphomas: Making Sense of Diagnosis, Treatment, and Options (LJ 5/1/99), Johnston provides ineffective Medline search strategies that yield over 1000 citations--which is sure to overwhelm and frustrate a novice (or sick) searcher. A better alternative would be the American Cancer Society: Colorectal Cancer (Random, 1999) by Bernard Levin. Not recommended.
-Gail Hendler, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Ctr., New York
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