The Human Side of Cancer: Living With Hope, Coping With Uncertainty

In The Human Side of Cancer, Jimmie C. Holland, M.D., explores the broad range of emotions people with cancer and their loved ones experience from the moment of diagnosis through the treatment and its aftermath. For more than twenty years, Dr. Holland has pioneered the study of psychological problems of cancer patients and their families -- whom she calls "the real experts." In The Human Side of Cancer, she shares what she has learned from all of them about facing this life-threatening illness and what truly helps along the cancer journey. This book is the next best thing to sitting in Dr. Holland's office and talking with her about the uncertainty and anxiety elicited by this disease. And it is a book that inspires hope -- through stories of the simple courage of ordinary people confronting cancer.

Offering the latest scientific information about the mind-body connection and cancer, Dr. Holland dispels the countless myths surrounding this controversial subject, including the notion that a person with cancer is somehow to blame for getting the disease or for not getting better.

Dr. Holland disputes the current one-size-fits-all approach to coping with cancer, based on her experience that everyone has a unique way of coping, which should be respected. She also provides the latest information on "medicine that doesn't come in a bottle" counseling, support groups, meditation, and other coping strategies that can help. This book imparts Dr. Holland's message of common sense and caring.

The Human Side of Cancer provides practical and compassionate guidance for dealing withA diagnosis of cancer and its uncertaintiesSocietal myths and beliefs that may make coping more difficultCancer treatment and its aftermathLife after a cancer cureIllness when comfort replaces cure as a goalIssues for families, including grief

Amazon.com Review
"There are two aspects to the human side of cancer: what cancer does psychologically to people and their families, and how emotions and behaviors may influence the risk of getting cancer and its outcome," writes Jimmie C. Holland, M.D., founder of the field of psycho-oncology (the psychological issues of cancer) and chairman of the department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. "The human side of cancer is all encompassing; it's about you, your surroundings, and your experience of the illness."

Doctors often don't have the time or the skills to deal with psychological issues. The Human Side of Cancer tackles the emotional issues of cancer head-on. Holland knows there's no "one size fits all" coping style and is sensitive to each reader's uniqueness and belief system. "We do have overwhelming proof, however, that how you cope with your illness can improve your overall quality of life," she asserts. The theory that cancer patients with a "fighting spirit" have a better chance of survival than those who are passive is not, it turns out, supported by research. But whether or not your personality is spunky and confrontational or laid-back and accepting, you can use your own methods of coping to make sure you live a healthy lifestyle and hang in there with your cancer treatment--which does improve your chances of survival. The authors explain how you can choose a doctor who demonstrates the "Three C's" (competence, compassion, and caring) and gives you practical instructions for making the most of each doctor's appointment. The book also covers coping strategies, the psychological effects of different treatments, psychosocial issues related to specific forms of cancer, and the "emotional baggage" of surviving.

The Human Side of Cancer combines sensitive advice and explanations with quotes and anecdotes of cancer patients, research summaries, self-help tips, and checklists. The book is for both the cancer survivor and family members. Anyone dealing with cancer will benefit from Holland's wisdom and experience. --Joan Price

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All Customer Reviews
Average Customer Review:
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

Excellent book, 2008-03-27
I work with cancer patients in a major cancer center, and would highly recommend this book. Dr. Holland has written a book that can benefit both patients and professionals. Rather than pushing a "Pollyanna Positive" approach to coping with a cancer diagnosis, Dr. Holland suggests that a realistic approach that includes BOTH the acceptance of uncertainty and hope for the future is most helpful. I have shared this book with several patients as well as several other professionals, and all have agreed that this is a "must-read" book for anyone looking for help in coping with cancer.


7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

an excellent resource..., 2005-09-05
This book comes highly recommended. It seeks to instill a feeling of acceptance and comfort for distressed cancer patients. The author discusses how to cope with difficult emotions in all stages of cancer, from initial diagnosis and onwards. As a doc working with cancer patients myself, I cannot overstate the importance of Dr Holland's message. For example, one of her points that really stood out for me was the idea that negative emotions cannot cause the cancer. Some people do worry that they must always remain positive, even if they have to fake it. Not true...being real and honest is far more important...having occasional negative thoughts and feelings is normal and does not make the cancer worse. Dr. Holland presents these ideas in one of the most non-judgmental ways you will ever read.

The reason I only give it four stars is due to my personal bias toward a holistic perspective. The author presents a conventional approach to cancer. She does not give adequate merit to the effectiveness of natural ways to control swaying emotions, instead guiding readers directly to pharmaceuticals. In addition, her use of the food pyramid as a way to guide readers to proper nutrition is outdated. For this type of information, readers should choose other books.

Overall an excellent read for anybody dealing with cancer, directly or indirectly. I recommend it to my own clients. Genuine compassion in the medical system is in short-supply these days...Dr Holland gives us a healthy dose.


0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

Overall very helpful, 2002-04-18
This is one of the few books I can imagine my mother reading. She was recently diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer and I ordered this book (and a couple others) to help my understanding of the emotional aspects of the disease and treatments. My mother generally escews "self-help" type books and outside help such as counseling. But this book is matter-of-fact and is presented in a way that respects individual differences and styles. It's not full of "touchy feely" (Mom's phrase) jargon but does address psychological issues effectively. Mom might actually find this one helpful, as I have. One weakness I found was the short section on ovarian cancer -- it addresses mostly fertility and sexuality issues -- the first doesn't apply to the older woman and the latter may or may not -- the writer seems to miss the boat on this type of cancer in the older woman. Overall, though, a helpful book.


2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

The Human Side of Cancer, 2002-02-09
I just liked reading about other peoples feelings and how they dealt with their various types of cancer. I am currently in remission of ovarian cancer and plan to stay there.


5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

thanks, 2002-01-17
Since my diagnosis I've received tons of books. This one is by far the most helpful in understanding what is going on with me & everyone else. It is the only book that talks about when & how to tell others, what the side effects are of all the testing, etc. I liked it so much I bought a copy for my therapist for her to use with other patients like me.

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