Research suggests that approximately 40% of individuals will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives. While proactive screenings and innovative treatments have improved outcomes for many, cancer remains a leading cause of death around the world.

Part of the Q&A Health Guides series, this book offers a broad introduction to cancer. After several questions addressing the basics of what cancer is and how it develops and spreads, the volume explores the symptoms, demographic trends, risk factors, and prognosis for a variety of cancers The book also includes questions that examine treatment options and prevention strategies. Readers will also find questions offering guidance on how to best support friends and family living with a cancer diagnosis.

Augmenting the main text, a collection of 5 case studies illustrate key concepts and issues through relatable stories and insightful recommendations. The Common Misconceptions section at the beginning of the volume dispels 5 long-standing and potentially harmful myths about cancer, directing readers to additional information in the text. The glossary defines terms that may be unfamiliar to readers, while the directory of resources curates a list of the most useful books, websites, and other materials. Finally, whether they're looking for more information about this subject or any other health-related topic, readers can turn to the Guide to Health Literacy section for practical tools and strategies for finding, evaluating, and using credible sources of health information both on and off the Internet.