Cancer is a disease that affects millions of people worldwide every year. It can strike anyone, regardless of age, race, or gender. However, awareness is one of the best ways to combat this disease. Thus, spreading awareness among new and recovering cancer patients is vital. Let’s discuss the benefits of cancer awareness and how it can help save lives.
Early Detection & Prevention
Cancer awareness helps people recognize the signs and symptoms of the disease early on because it is more treatable when detected early. By knowing what to look for, people can seek medical attention quickly and receive the treatment they need to fight the disease. Cancer awareness also helps to promote healthy habits that can reduce the risk of developing the disease. For example, regular exercise, a healthy diet, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption can help prevent certain types of cancer.
Improved Treatment & Support
Cancer awareness acquires the potential to lead to significant improvements in cancer treatment. As more people become aware of the disease and its impact, research and development efforts can increase. This can lead to new and improved treatments that help people to fight the disease and improve their quality of life. And to provide support and resources for people who are affected by the disease. By raising awareness and providing information about cancer, people can learn about support groups, treatment options, and other resources to help them cope with the disease.
A Patient’s Guide to Cancer
Authored by John F. McDonald, A Patient’s Guide to Cancer is a book that helps raise cancer awareness. It is penned with the vision to clarify the processes underlying the onset and progression of cancer and to break down the complex steps in non-technical language. Its intent is to explain to cancer patients, their families, and friends how recent discoveries about these processes have and continue to translate into developing promising new approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
John F. McDonald’s purpose behind writing this book is to spread the word among the general public, who are not scientists or medical experts. He has added references and links at the end of each chapter for individuals seeking more in-depth discussion of specific cancer-related topics. As a cancer patient, the more you know about the disease and current scientific advances, the more equipped you will be to discuss appropriate therapy with your doctor.
About the Author
School of Biological Sciences | Georgia Institute of Technology | Atlanta, GA | John F. McDonald, Ph.D., the author of A Patient’s Guide to Cancer, is the Founding Director of the Integrated Cancer Research Center and Emeritus Professor of Biological Sciences at Georgia Tech. He was the Chief Scientist at the Ovarian Cancer Institute in Atlanta from 1999 until 2023. He completed postdoctoral fellowships at the University of California, San Diego, and the Columbia University Cancer Research Institute in New York. Additionally, Dr. McDonald served as Head of the Genetics Department at the University of Georgia (1998-2004), Chair of the School of Biological Sciences at Georgia Tech (2004-2009), and Associate Dean for Biology Program Development in Georgia Tech’s College of Sciences from 2009 until 2014.
Dr. McDonald has written over 200 scientific papers, edited three books, and co-authored a genetics textbook The Science of Genetics. He is also the former Editor-and-Chief of Genetica–The International Journal of Genetics. He is an elected fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and the recipient of numerous teaching and research awards.
If you’re interested in exploring the fundamentals of cancer, a copy of A Patient’s Guide to Cancer is available for purchase (e-book or paperback) online.