Practical Clinical Oncology 2014

Abstract

Cancer is a very important non-communicable disease afflicting the human race. The problem of this disease is compounded in India with varied incidence in different regions, with underlying differences in socio-economic strata and access to healthcare. The vast information on cancer that is available can be put in practice in a tertiary care centre where facilitates and finances are available. Unfortunately, the disease burden in India is too large to be exclusively handled by these centres. Hence, a very vast majority of cancers are treated outside these centres under severe constrains of finances, manpower and lack of equipment. This book is aimed at this audience of oncologists who treat cancer outside the tertiary centres. The book addresses only common cancers and has intentionally omitted rare cancers. This contrasts with other large texts on the same disease which are exhaustive. Each chapter is written by oncologists experienced in that field. The chapters are well organized and adequate practical illustrations are provided. The text is simple and easily understood. Recent advances on laparoscopy and robotic surgery have been mentioned to keep the reader updated. These features make this book a significant resource of information for postgraduate medical students who would at the end of a discussion ask “finally what should I do for this case?” For an experienced clinician, this book may not be exhaustive but definitely gives a concise practical view on the disease and would in addition serve as a ready reckoner. This book meets the unmet need for the oncologists treating the disease outside a tertiary centre. It offers practical approach to the disease for the oncologists working in remote areas with variable socioeconomic strata and limited resources. It is useful for the young student who needs to understand the disease and its treatment. In addition, it could help the student prepare for the exam as it gives a comprehensive concise review of the disease. K. S. Gopinath (*) HCG Bangalore Institiute of Oncology, Bangalore & Prof. of Surgery & Oncology, Kolar. No. 20, Srinivasa Behind Balaji Kalyana, Mantapam, BSK III Stage, Bangalore 560085, India e-mail: gopiijso@gmail.com