Complications of cancer are common, and become more frequent and severe if cancer progresses or spreads. Early identification and prompt treatment of these complications unquestionably prevents much suffering and saves lives. Several years ago, it became apparent to the author that no book or central source of information was available that thoroughly discussed these critical complications, some of which affect virtually every person who develops a life-threatening cancer. Complications of Cancer provides easy to understand, comprehensive and candid information about these life-threatening conditions.

The book has three sections: "Life-Threatening Cancers," "Complications of Cancer," and "Clinical Trials."

The first section, "Life-Threatening Cancers" provides a detailed overview of the 15 most common life-threatening cancers, including information about symptoms, making the diagnosis, determining the extent, if any, to which the cancer has spread, initial surgical and medical treatments, prevention and treatment of progression or recurrence, and treatment available to reduce discomfort if the cancer is not adequately controlled. This overview provides a framework for understanding the complications that can develop.

The second section, "Complications of Cancer," discusses 50 serious complications or complicating illnesses that can occur as a direct result of cancer, another underlying illness, or as a side effect of medical or surgical treatments. These complications are the direct cause of the great majority of events that endanger the life and health of people with cancer.

The effectiveness of current treatments of many types of cancer is inadequate. Facing this, people often seek experimental treatment that could provide a chance for survival and recovery. The third book section, "Clinical Trials," gives information about how new treatments are tested by responsible medical researchers and how to enroll in a clinical trial of an experimental or innovative treatment.

The focus of this book is on medical and surgical treatments of cancer and on complications of cancer that can develop. Although it would be preferable to prevent cancer rather than treat it, preventive measures are usually beside the point once cancer has struck. Prevention discussed in this book emphasizes prevention of disease recurrence or progression, and prevention of complications of cancer or its treatment.

The most common questions a person will have when facing a cancer are "how can I fight this disease," and "what can I expect to happen." Complications of Cancer discusses the essential medical tools used to fight cancer, and stresses that prompt recognition and treatment of complications is one of the most critical aspects of fighting cancer, and plays a central role in determining outcome. By thoroughly reviewing the most common cancers and their critical complications, this book seeks to provide the reader with a vital weapon in the fight for life and good health: information.