"Cancer is not just one disease but many diseases. There are more than 100 different types of cancer," states the National Cancer Institute. According to the A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia, cancer involves the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells that have mutated from normal tissues. This growth can kill when these cells prevent normal function of vital organs or spread throughout the body, damaging essential systems.
American Cancer Society
One of the most respected of all nonprofit organizations in the United States, ACS makes outstanding resources available to patients, families, and caregivers.
Cancer.gov
Accurate, current information from the world's leading authority on cancer, the National Cancer Institute. Look here first for information on treatment, clinical trials, and psychosocial support.
MedlinePlus: Cancers
Developed by the National Library of Medicine specifically for consumers, this site is
a portal for both government-sponsored and privately developed health information for the lay public.Look for links to familiar places like the National Institutes of Health.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network
The consumer web site of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, this site offers current cancer news, treatment summaries for the most common types of cancer, and links to leading cancer treatment centers. It also offers practical advice on such topics as living with cancer, paying for treatment, and life after cancer.
Cancer.net
Designed especially for cancer patients by the cancer professionals of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, this site is dedicated to providing accurate, reliable, current information about cancer.
Steve Dunn's Cancer Guide
Developed by a cancer survivor, this carefully indexed site leads to home pages for many different types of cancer. Other useful resources, including "Pros and Cons of Researching Your Cancer," are included.
American Cancer Society's Complementary and Alternative Cancer Methods Handbook.2002.
Cancer Clinical Trials: Experimental Treatments & How They Can Help You. Finn R. 1999.
Choices. Morra M. 2003.
Everyone's Guide to Cancer Therapy: How Cancer is Diagnosed, Treated, and Managed Day to Day. Ko A. 2008.
Gale Encyclopedia of Cancer. 2 vols. Longe J. Ed. 2006. Available in print at the Health Learning Center or electronically at http://www.nmh.org/nmh/hlc/main.htm
How Cancer Works. Sompayrac L. 2004.
Informed Decisions: The Complete Book of Cancer Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery. Eyre H., ed. 2002
The Cancer Dictionary. Sarg M. 2007.
What You Really Need to Know About Cancer: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Their Families. Buckman R. 1997.
Also available: Cancer titles in the 100 Questions About … series and the Patient-Centered Guide series.
Northwestern Memorial Hospital's Health Learning Center has joined forces with the American Cancer Society's Patient Navigator Program to provide assistance to patients and families dealing with cancer. To take advantage of this unique service, provided by a licensed clinical social worker, call 312-926-4282.
For more information, please contact the Health Learning Center at 312.926.5465, the Alberto Culver Women's Health Learning Center at 312.472.3640, or e-mail us at HLC@nmh.org.
