Cancerbackup: Cancer - general

Skip the page content navigation if you do not require links to content sections within this page.

Page Content Navigation

Skip the main banner if you do not want to read it as the next section.


Page Banner

Want to speak to a specialist cancer nurse? Call free on 0808 800 1234



The best cancer information for everyone.
Cancerbackup has merged with Macmillan. Together we can provide a wealth of high quality information about cancer.


Skip the main content if you do not want to read it as the next section.


UK Patient Information Guide: Cancer - general

Books

50 Essential Things to Do When The Doctor Says It's Cancer
Author Greg Anderson
Publisher G P Putnam's Sons
Description A guide to coping with the experience of cancer, written by an American cancer survivor. It discusses how to take control and deal with the day to day stresses of life. It gives good practical advice, such as how to get a second opinion and choose the best course of treatment, and deals with spiritual issues.
ISBN ISBN-13: 978-0452269545
Date 1993
Being a Cancer Patient's Carer: A Guide
Author Wesley C Finegan
Publisher Radcliffe Publishing Ltd
Description A good basic guide for anyone who is a carer for somebody with cancer.
ISBN ISBN-13: 978-1857756388
Date 2005
Cancer In Young Adults: Through Parents' Eyes
Author Anne Grinyer
Publisher Open University Press
Description Written by a lecturer and aimed at parents and health professionals, the premise of this book is that 18-25 year olds are at a particular life stage which will influence their experience of cancer and their coping strategies. It uses anecdotal evidence from the parents of young adults with cancer, many of whom have died. It includes sections on independence, sexuality and fertility, the need for normality, the effect on siblings and on the parents’ partnership, medical information ownership, financial issues and the emotional consequences of the illness. The theory of teenage development and the sociology of illness are covered in depth.
ISBN ISBN-13: 978-0335212316
Date 2002
Cancer: A Family Affair
Author Neville Shone
Publisher Sheldon Press
Description An interesting and easy to read book for anyone who wants information and advice on the psychological effects that a diagnosis of cancer can have on the family. It considers how to cope with the diagnosis of cancer, the impact on children and carers, and looks at ways of communicating and dealing with feelings of grief.
ISBN ISBN-13: 978-0859697064
Date 1995
Cancer’s a Word, Not a Sentence
Author Fiona Castle
Publisher Hodder & Stoughton
Description An informative and sensitive guide to coping with cancer. There are sections on coping with feelings, seeking information, practicalities, and spiritual and emotional issues. Also acknowledges the particular difficulties experienced by partners, families and friends and provides advice on coping.
ISBN 0-340745-65-7
Date 2000
Challenging Cancer: Fighting Back, Taking Control, Finding Options
Author Maurice Slevin and Nina Kfir
Publisher Class Publishing
Description Written by a cancer specialist and a psychotherapist. This book aims to help you make sense of your diagnosis and to help you feel you have control back in your life.
ISBN 1859590683
Date 2002
Livestrong
Author Lance Armstrong
Publisher Broadway Books
Description Inspirational stories from cancer survivors – from diagnosis to
treatment and beyond.
ISBN 0-7679-2138-0
Date 2005
Living with Cancer
Author Jeffrey S Tobias
Publisher Bloomsbury
Description Accompanies the television series of the same name, aiming to demystify cancer and empower patients. Gives the facts about cancer and explains the diagnosis and treatment procedures before focusing on specific cancers in more detail. Includes contributions from patients.
ISBN ISBN-13: 978-0747554103
Date 2001
Love, Medicine and Miracles
Author Bernie Siegel
Publisher Rider & Co
Description A book written for patients and families affected by cancer, which draws on a wide range of psychological, spiritual and religious themes. He talks about handling fear, anger, pain, becoming open, understanding hope, love and learning how to live.
ISBN ISBN-13: 978-0712670463
Date 1999
Taking Control of Cancer
Author Beverley Van Der Molen
Publisher Class Publishing
Description A useful and supportive book, which would be helpful for people who have been diagnosed with any type of cancer, or for their family and friends.
ISBN 1859590918
Date 2003
What Can I Do to Help: 75 Practical Ideas for Family and Friends from Cancer's Frontline
Author Deborah Hutton
Publisher Short Books
Description Written by someone who herself had cancer, this book gives practical ideas about how other people can help.
ISBN ISBN-13: 978-1904977391
Date 2005
What You Really Need to Know About Cancer: A Guide for Patients and Their Families
Author Robert Buckman
Publisher Pan Books
Description Chapters on all types of cancer including cancer of the colon and rectum. Very comprehensive coverage, including sections on conventional and complementary treatments, screening, living with cancer and attitudes to cancer.
ISBN ISBN-13: 978-0330336284
Date 1997

Booklets and factsheets

Affected by cancer? We can help you (How Macmillan helps people with cancer)
Author Macmillan Cancer Support
Description Leaflet
Obtain from Order from be.Macmillan or call 0800 500 800.
Cancer Survivor's Guide: Because cancer doesn't end when your treatment is over
Author Macmillan Cancer Support
Description Booklet
Obtain from Order from be.Macmillan or call 0800 500 800.
Men and cancer
Author Macmillan Cancer Support
Description Looking at cancer from a male perspective, this comprehensive booklet discusses the stages people go through when they have cancer and provides information on specific cancers affecting men.
Obtain from Order from be.Macmillan or call 0800 500 800.
The Cancer Guide
Author Macmillan Cancer Support
Description Covers many aspects of cancer, including the cancer journey, treatment options, getting the best care, people who can help, complementary approaches and useful organisations.
Obtain from Order from be.Macmillan or call 0800 500 800.
Understanding and Living with Cancer
Author The Cancer Resource Centre
Description Booklet
Obtain from 20-22 York Road, London SW11 3QE. Tel: 020 7924 3924. Email: info@cancer-resource-centre.org.uk
URL http://www.cancer-resource-centre.org.uk
Languages Bengali, Chinese, Gujarati, Punjabi, Tamil and Urdu

All resources in UK patient information guide have been reviewed by Cancerbackup specialist nurses and all details were correct at time of review.

Feedback about these resources or suggestions for inclusion are welcome - please contact us.


Get support

Look for other people in the same situation on our What Now? community - read their blogs or talk to them in our chat rooms.

Find out about other ways to get support on the main Macmillan website.