A cultural history of cancer in the US, from the late 1800's to the
present, that nicely illustrates our evolving attitudes toward
illness, medicine, and public health policy. Patterson begins with
Ulysses S. Grant's death from cancer in 1885 - at a time when the
disease was invariably fatal and thus feared - but not
hysterically. By 1915, many of the deadly infectious diseases such
as tuberculosis were coming under control, and Patterson goes on to
note that as life expectancy increased, chronic diseases such as
heart disease and cancer became more feared. He describes the
origins of the first "alliance against cancer": physicians,
researchers, epidemiologists and journalists who, though unable to
provide solid help, offered what he calls "the power of positive
thinking": pushing - as they continue to do today - early
detection, surgery, and scientific research. Running counterpoint
to this optimistic view has historically been the group that
Patterson identifies as "skeptical about orthodox medical notions
of disease and about the claims to expert knowledge by what they
came to call the Cancer Establishment." Patterson is right: the
story of how these two groups have interacted ever since
illustrates durable social and cultural divisions in modern
America, Other highlights as he tells the story: changes in
attitudes towards smoking; the role of religion; and how AIDS may
change the way we view cancer. Patterson tackled a huge subject,
and has worked his materials into a riveting account. A most
worthwhile read. (Kirkus Reviews)
Cancer is that "loathsome beast, which seized upon the breast,
drove its long claws into the surrounding tissues, derived its
sustenance by sucking out the juices of its victims, and never even
relaxed its hold in death," a turn-of-the-century physician
recorded. Even today cancer affects the popular imagination with
dread. In a subtle and penetrating cultural history, James
Patterson examines reactions to the disease through a century of
American life.
The modern American preoccupation with cancer was apparent
during the widely publicized illness and death from that ailment of
Ulysses S. Grant in 1885. Awareness of the disease soon figured
heavily in the public consciousness, and individual reactions to it
continue to reveal broader tensions within American society.
Patterson examines responses to cancer by researchers and
physicians, quacks and faith healers, by the multitude who have
heard sensational media reports of "cures," as well as by many who
have had firsthand experiences with the disease.
Optimistic attitudes of many experts contrast sharply with the
skepticism of large segments of the population--often the less
wealthy and the less educated--that reject the claims of medical
science and resist the advice or, some argue, the paternalistic
dictates of the government-supported cancer research
establishment.
Expanding expectations of a cure from a confident medical
profession; the rise of a government-supported Cancer Establishment
managing a large research empire; the emergence of a "cancer
counterculture"; a new emphasis on prevention through control of
the environment and the self; and the private fears and pessimism
of millions of Americans form a telling history of American social
patterns. Whether the issue is smoking, pollution, or regular
checkups, attitudes toward cancer reflect more general views on
medicine, public policy, and illness, as well as on death and
dying. This century has witnessed both a biomedical revolution and
a vastly increased role of the state in the private lives of
citizens; but not everyone has bought the medical package, and many
have little faith in government intervention.
Readers interested in the cultural dimensions of science and
medicine as well as historians, sociologists, and political
scientists will be enlightened and challenged by "The Dread
Disease."
General
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