Cancer Diagnosis in Primary Care

The aim of the book is to inform primary care clinicians (including those in training) about the way cancer presents to primary care, and how they can select patients for investigation. One quarter of UK deaths are from cancer, and the large majority of these tumours initially present to primary care.

Cancer diagnosis is difficult, both in identifying those who do need investigation, and those who dont. Cancer Diagnosis in Primary Care covers the major cancers in individual chapters. The book also includes chapters on screening, systemic symptoms (which may be present with a number of cancers), and the terms used in cancer epidemiology. A final section of case-studies offers an important opportunity for teaching or self-assessment.

Although based on a thorough knowledge of the subject, the book uses an ex-cathedra style rather than being peppered with references in a highly academic fashion. The facts are right, but the aim is to make it readable! The approach is firmly based on the primary care clinicians needs.

The editors are academics in primary care, who are active researchers in the cancer field, and have a heavy involvement with the national cancer scene.