Salem Press

	...very thorough and informative and would be of use to those recently diagnosed with cancer, their loved ones, or students in health sciences programs. This title is recommended for public and academic libraries.
ARBA

ARBA - American Reference Books Annual - has been a trusted resource for more than 30 years, a resource to which library and information science professionals have turned for the most authoritative and reliable reviews of reference materials.

ARBA 2009
Salem Health: Cancer
Publisher: Salem Press, Hackensack, NJ (2009)
Price: $395.00/set
ISBN13/ISSN: 978-1-58765-505-0
Content Area: CANCER; MEDICINE - DICTIONARIES & ENCYCLOPEDIAS
Cancer; Specific Diseases and Conditions; Medicine; Health Sciences

Elaine Lasda Bergman - Bibliographer for Reference and Gerontology, Dewey Graduate Library, University at Albany, N.Y.

This 4-volume encyclopedia contains over 800 entries related to cancer. Topics include different types of cancer, known carcinogens, diagnostic procedures, treatments, and general terminology one encounters when discussing cancer. All are written by medical practitioners such as doctors, nurses, and pharmacists. A common entry will include alternate terms for the entry topic, and brief paragraphs that provide essential information at a glance. For example, the entries on procedures include: a definition; why it is performed; patient preparation; what to expect before, during, and after the procedure; risks; and results. Each entry includes references for further information and other resources. The writing styles of the various contributors are somewhat inconsistent-some use quite a bit of medical jargon whereas others are easily understandable by the layperson. Nonetheless, the work is very thorough and informative and would be of use to those recently diagnosed with cancer, their loved ones, or students in health sciences programs. Purchase of the print edition comes with free online access. The online version currently contains the content of Salem Health: Cancer and Magill's Medical Guide (4th ed.; see ARBA 2008, entry1233). In the coming years several new titles will be added to this resource, including Psychology & Mental Health, Genetics & Inherited Diseases, Infectious Diseases & Conditions, Addictions & Substance Abuse, and Nutrition & Eating Disorders. Searching is simple. Users can type in a topic or keyword and choose to search any or all of the resources selected. Results can be shown in full-text, abstract, title, or key topic. This title is recommended for public and academic libraries.