Cancervive CL

While advances in cancer therapy now account for an estimated 50% permanent remission rate, Nessim, founder of the support group Cancervive, charges that society still stigmatizes survivors of the disease. In an excellent handbook based on her own successful battle against cancer as a teenager, she addresses recovered cancer patients, their families, friends and health professionals. Assisted by freelance writer Ellis, she offers positive, empathetic advice on how to control fears of recurrence and long-term side effects--including infertility--as well as anger and depression. Nessim also makes suggestions for regaining sanguine self- and body-images essential for securing jobs, insurance and more. Cancervive members have their say, too, recounting how they handled anxiety about new relationships. With the help of a support group, the author maintains, the survivor can have a healthy, forward-looking life. (June)