CRC Patient Bookshelf
The following are helpful books for people living with colon or rectal cancer. Research results are changing treatment for colorectal cancer very rapidly, so books can become out of date easily. Always check the publication date and look for the latest edition.
While you certainly cannot read everything — and shouldn’t overwhelm yourself — we’ve listed several key books and booklets to have on hand to cope with colorectal cancer. Your medical team may also have recommendations.
Helpful Books to Read
- Complete Guide to Colorectal Cancer from the American Cancer Society is an important handbook for every patient with colon or rectal cancer. Its chapters are written by experts in their fields and it has been reviewed by both health professionals and cancer survivors. Well-illustrated with charts, diagrams, and worksheets you can use, it covers colorectal cancer from prevention through survivorship. Put this one on your shelf!
- What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Colorectal Cancer: New Tests, New Treatments, New Hope by Mark Bennett Pochapin M.D. Dr. Pochapin is a gastroenterologist who treated Katie Couric’s husband Jay Monahan and now directs the Jay Monahan Center for Gastrointestinal Health in New York. This highly readable book is comprehensive.
- Colon and Rectal Cancer: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Families by Lorraine Johnston was published in 2000 and does not contain the latest treatment options, but overall its information is detailed and solid. Ms. Johnston is a medical writer who has family members with colorectal cancer. She includes many stories and personal experiences from colorectal cancer patients and their families in her book.
- Understanding Colon Cancer by medical oncologist A. Richard Adrouny, M.D. is a small, concisely written guide to colorectal cancer with a strong emphasis on diagnosis, staging, and treatment. Published in 2002, some of the new trends he discusses have now become part of standard therapy. There is a good bit of medical terminology, but the book is fairly easy to read and understand. His glossary is especially good.
- Frankly Speaking About Colorectal Cancer The second edition has been completely rewritten to include new treatments and more information. It can be ordered free from C3 by calling 703-548-1225.
- The Human Side of Cancer: Living with Hope, Coping with Uncertainty is a superb book by Jimmie Holland MD, who is the Chairperson of the Department of Psychiatry and Behaviorial Sciences at Memorial Sloan Kettering. She is a founder of the field of psycho-oncology. This is a warm and informative book written for patients and families. If you feel frightened or depressed or guilty, this book will help! A key book for your shelf.
Booklets, brochures and pamphlets
Free from the National Cancer Institute
- What You Need to Know About Cancer of the Colon and Rectum A key publication to have on your shelf.
- Many helpful booklets to help you learn about cancer and cope with it are available from NCI sent free. Browse here.
Free from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network
- Colon and Rectal Cancer: Treatment Guidelines for Patients If you have nothing else, have this one! Information and decision trees for every stage of colon or rectal cancer, including recommendations for followup. Order a copy from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Also Cáncer de colon y recto.
- NCCN in collaboration with the American Cancer Society also has supportive care information booklets which can be read online or ordered from NCCN. Booklets include help managing advanced cancer and palliative care, pain, fatigue and anemia, distress, fever and neutropenia, and nausea and vomiting. All information comes from evidenced-based guidelines for cancer care that is regularly updated.
- Frankly Speaking about Colorectal Cancer, developed by The Wellness Community and C3 can be read online or a printed copy can be obtained by calling the C3 Answer Line at 877-4CRC-1111 (877-427-2111)
Last Update: May 8, 2008
Medical Review
This page is under review by C3's medical review network.
