This is a remarkable book. It is the story of just one person but it is repeated time and time again by many, all over the world. She has a complex but potentially curable cancer from the outset - one that requires a surgical intervention, radiotherapy and chemotherapy to treat optimally. So Mitzi experiences everything. With a young and very active family to look after, she has a lot to live for so how she deals with uncertainty is fascinating. The disruption to her life by the cancer and its treatment is massive and to add to it all she is going through a marital breakdown at the same time.I feel it's an incredible privilege to be allowed to follow her journey so closely. 'This is essential reading for all who deal with cancer patients - health professionals, politicians, health service developers, carers and, of course, patients themselves. It clearly gives us a distillation of what cancer patients want. We need to create a new network of modern cancer centres where the latest technology in radiotherapy and chemotherapy is seamlessly delivered in a comfortable, welcoming environment. Novel information technology can be used to link the centres so every patient will be monitored to get the best possible treatment.'

About the Author
Independent Health Consultant

Reviews
'This is a factual and at times harrowing account of the author's illness, with a clear message that it's bad enough having cancer without the patronizing and deceitful attitudes of doctors making the experience far worse than it need be...if anyone is in doubt of the need to take a more patient-centred approach to dealing with patients then they should read this.' DR ERIC WATTS, MEDICAL VICE CHAIR, RCPATH LAY ADVISORY COMMITTEE CONSULTANT HAEMATOLOGIST 'Highly impassioned, pulling no punches in a candid and unvarnished account of the author's experience. There are thought-provoking discussion points and suggestions for improvement throughout. In a foreword to the book, Professor Karol Sikora says that "it is essential reading for all who deal with cancer patients." That is a recommendation to be wholeheartedly endorsed.' - Mr Gordon Cropper, Immediate past Lay Chair of the RCPath Lay Advisory Committee. THE BULLETIN OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF PATHOLOGISTS 'A beautifully written book. If the quality of cancer care is to be built on a triad of effectiveness, safety and patient experience, it is this last element that is least accessible to the caring professions, unless writers like Mitzi share their accounts with us. Fortunately, she does it in away that is readable, honest and challenging but also full of hope that things can and will improve. Should be on the essential reading list for those striving to improve the quality of care for cancer and to understand and improve the experience of their patients more generally.' QUALITY IN PRIMARY CARE 'A cracking read. It ought to be required reading for all doctors, medical students, hospital executives, and everyone who believes in patient partnership.' ACP NEWS 'I would recommend this book to all members of the multidisciplinary team working in the oncology area. It would also provide an insight into the patient's perspective for health professionals, students and committee members dealing with oncology patients.' CANCER COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA WEB FORUM


Awards
Winner of Medical Journalists' Association Open Book Award: Self-Help Book 2009.



Book Information
ISBN 9781846190100
Author Mitzi Blennerhassett
Format Paperback
Page Count 192
Imprint CRC Press
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 294g