Cancer: A Medical And Spiritual Guide For Patients And Their Families

Cancer. The word evokes shock and fear when test results come back and the physician delivers the news. If you or a family member have been diagnosed with cancer, you have dozens of questions but may not know where to find answers. "Now what?" "Where can I turn for information and support?" "How will this illness affect my family?" "Why me, God?" This book is the first comprehensive guide to cancer written from a Christian perspective. It tackles your tough questions-spiritual as well as physical-and addresses a variety of topics, including: -causes of cancer -testing, diagnosis, and treatment -alternative medicine -the mind-body connection -fear, faith, and doubt -life after the diagnosis In addition to explaining medical terminology with easy-to-understand language, the authors offer examples from real life, hard-won insights, and practical answers to common questions. Both informative and comforting, this guide will prove useful to cancer patients and their loved ones, pastors, counselors, and hospice groups. "This manual answers questions about not only the physical effects of cancer but also the spiritual side of a life-threatening illness . . . anyone whose life has been touched by cancer must read this book."--Tom Landry, former coach, Dallas Cowboys "This book is excellent. I am so glad to see someone publish a book from a Christian view."--Wendy J. Smith, RN, BSN, OCN, supervisor, Norristown Regional Cancer Center "I have already recommended this book to co-workers who are facing cancer in their immediate families and will not hesitate to do so again."--Geraldine Brickhouse Barber, cancer survivor William A. Fintel, M.D., is a practicing oncologist with Oncology and HematologyAssociates of Southwest Virginia in Salem and medical director of Good Samaritan Hospice in Roanoke. Gerald R. McDermott, Ph.D., is professor of religion and philosophy at Roanoke College. He has authored several books.

Modern medicine has made amazing advances in the treatment of cancer, but most people still react with shock and fear when they receive the diagnosis. Cancer doesn't just affect the patient physically; it has emotional and spiritual implications as well. This comprehensive guide to cancer from a Christian perspective combines the hands-on experience of a medical doctor with the wisdom and compassion of a theologian. The book surveys a variety of topics including: -cancer testing, diagnosis, and treatments -alternative therapies -the mind-body connection -faith, fear, healing, and doubts -life after the diagnosis Written in accessible language, this complete manual will help cancer patients as well as their families and friends. It is an essential resource for pastors, counselors, Stephen ministers, and hospice groups.