Preface:
Lung cancer is responsible for 20% of all cancer deaths in the developed world. In the majority of cases it is related to smoking, but despite changes in smoking habits it remains a common cause of cancer death. Prognosis is often poor but cure is possible and when it is not, well considered management may give extension of life and worthwhile palliation. Managing lung cancer requires a truly multi-disciplinary approach with doctors, nurses, health care professionals from general practice, pulmonary medicine, oncology, radiology, surgery, palliative care and others, playing their part in the care of lung cancer patients. The ABC of Lung Cancer was inspired by the group responsible for the UK lung cancer guidelines (NICE Lung Cancer Guidelines 2005 May 13 Available from http://www.nice.org.uk/ page.aspx?o=244008) and aims to introduce the reader to the important areas of non-small cell lung cancer including its changing epidemiology, the question of screening, current practice in diagnosis and staging, available treatments and palliative care, with separate chapters on small-cell lung cancer and mesothelioma. The book is written for medical students, doctors in training, specialist nurses, and allied health professionals who may be involved in caring for lung cancer patients.
It provides a comprehensive introduction to all aspects of lung cancer care and management. The editors would like to acknowledge the members of the Guideline Development Group of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), 2005 Lung Cancer Clinical Guideline, all of whom have assisted in someway, and some of whom have contributed directly, to the publication of the ABC of Lung Cancer.
