The facts from the CDC are stark: skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, and melanoma is responsible for more deaths than any other skin cancer type. The good news is that most melanomas are found early, and the cure rate is approximately 85 percent in these cases. To keep you and your loved ones on the right side of this equation, Dr. Howard Kaufman, a renowned physician, surgeon, and researcher in the battle against cancer, has written THE MELANOMA BOOK.Since melanoma often strikes previously healthy individuals in the prime of their lives, melanoma patients are frequently ill-prepared for the medical and psychological journey that lies ahead of them. The questions can be overwhelming, and Dr. Kaufman, with a perfect balance of medical authority and direct, plain language, guides readers to the answers to questions such as:
· What is malignant melanoma and how can it be prevented?
· How is this disease different from other types of skin cancer?
· What kind of doctor should I consult for this condition?
· What are my treatment options?
· Can my disease be prevented or cured?
THE MELANOMA BOOK is divided into four main parts to help readers organize key issues, understand their options, and make informed decisions about diagnostic and treatment procedures. In Part One, Dr. Kaufman explains melanoma and how it differs from other types of skin cancer. He also discusses the causes of melanoma and explains how melanoma may be prevented. In Part Two, he leads readers step by step through the specific ways doctors diagnose and categorize melanoma. Part Three is all about treating melanoma, from basic biopsy to experimental laser surgery, chemotherapy, and adjuvant therapy—therapy used after primary cancer treatment to decrease the chance of cancer recurrence. In Part Four, Dr. Kaufman covers the most current research as well as a thorough discussion of clinical trials. He also provides a complete glossary of terms, and appendices with lists of helpful melanoma Web sites and of specialized melanoma treatment centers across the United States. His self-exam body map is an easy-to-use monitoring system that will give readers a better shot at early detection—a huge advantage in surviving this disease.
Armed with Dr. Kaufman’s knowledge, readers can do everything possible to prevent skin cancer, and if melanoma strikes, will understand the disease and be able to begin the process of healing.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dr. Howard L. Kaufman is founder and Co-Director of the Columbia University Melanoma Center, attending physician at The New York Presbyterian-Columbia University Medical Center, chief of surgical oncology, and associate professor of surgery at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. He has conducted numerous clinical research trials on vaccines for cancer, lectures widely on cancer treatment and has published more than 100 articles in the field of tumor immunology and immunotherapy. He lives in New York City.
© 2005 HealthNewsDigest.com