A Patient's Guide to Cancer was written for newly diagnosed cancer patients, their families and friends with the goal of demystifying the processes underlying the disease and explaining how recent discoveries about these processes have and continue to translate into the development of promising new approaches to diagnosis and treatment. While the book is intended to be generally accessible to non-scientists, additional references/links are provided at the end of each chapter for those interested in acquiring nore in-depth coverage of individual topics. Certainly, no one wants to develop cancer, but if you do, it's important to know that it's no longer a mandatory death sentence. As a cancer patient, the more you understand about the disease and recent scientific breakthroughs, the more prepared you will be to discuss optimal therapies with your physician(s), and ultimately, make informed decisions about your future life.