You Don't Have to Suffer: A Complete Guide to Relieving Cancer Pain for Patients and Their Families

For the millions of Americans who will be diagnosed with cancer, Lang, a Cornell University science writer, and Patt, the deputy chief of the Pain Service at Houston's M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, have written a handbook for those seeking respite from cancer pain. It is estimated that relief can be achieved in 90 to 99 percent of cancer patients if the correct treatments are applied. This book, clearly written for the consumer, is intended for anyone who has cancer or is caring for a loved one with the disease, as well as for the professionals who treat patients and their families. Lang and Patt examine the physiology of cancer pain and how not fighting it can get in the way of healing. Among the reasons the authors cite for why cancer patients are undermedicated for pain: doctors are not well-informed about pain medication and dosage, and fear that patients will become addicted to pain relievers; patients feel they must tough it out. The book also explores our culture's fear of narcotics, one of the cornerstones in the treatment of moderate to severe cancer pain. By exploring all of the pain-relieving options available--from over-the-counter drugs and high-tech medical techniques to home nursing tips to make patients more comfortable--it enables cancer patients to make informed decisions about their care and offers them a way to improve the quality of their lives. (Jan.)