Foreword by Andrew Ordon, MD
Preface
Acknowledgments

The Basics
1 The Respiratory System
2 Cancer Fundamentals

Step I. Increase Awareness
3 Your Lung Cancer Primer

Step II. Get a Proper Diagnosis
4 Diagnosing and Staging Lung Cancer

Step III. Know Your Options
5 Treating Lung Cancer
6 Complementary and Alternative Healing for Lung Cancer

Step IV. Ask the Right Questions
7 Managing Your Lung Cancer Care

Step V. Remove Toxic Substances from Your Life
8 Stop Smoking Now!
Step VI. Acceptance
9 Your Life with Lung Cancer

Epilogue
Notes
Glossary
Index

“You’ve probably heard the saying that cancer touches everyone. I know that it does, and that it hits some harder than others. Cancer first touched my life 13 years ago when my brother was diagnosed with prostate cancer. My brother and closest friend, Leslie, ultimately lost his life to this dreaded affliction 3 years ago after years of numerous excruciating treatments and pain. With lightning striking so close to home, I couldn’t help but wonder if the same fate lay in store for me. Would cancer come knocking on my door? Though I ultimately couldn’t do anything to help my brother, who died despite receiving the very best medical care, I made it my personal mission to try to lessen the fear this terrible disease strikes in hearts of millions of people. While learning more about cancer, I discovered that for each person who is diagnosed, many more will be saved, in large measure because of the efforts of people like my good friend Dr. Eric Presser, a pioneering thoracic surgeon and recognized lung cancer expert. I know that my brother could have benefited from the accurate, easily understandable information that Dr. Presser shares in An Empowering Guide to Lung Cancer. Undoubtedly Dr. Presser’s advocacy of screening for early detection and prevention of lung cancer, long before it became a matter of public policy, has motivated both those at greatest risk and their loved ones to get tested themselves, or to make lifestyle changes that may not only reduce their own chances of getting cancer, but may also prevent the disease. Speaking from personal experience, while cancer may definitely frighten people into healthier habits, you really have to practice those habits consistently . They need to become a life style. You can’t just practice cancer prevention after you get sick. Dr. Presser’s book is proof positive of the axiom 'an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.' He teaches us about the value of investing in our health right now with science based, low risk practices and lifestyle choices that can help kick unhealthy habits that increase our cancer risk. An Empowering Guide to Lung Cancer is an invaluable 'how to' manual that will help cancer patients and their loved ones onto a path of improved well-being.”

Dispelling the commonly held belief that lung cancer is always self-inflicted, this book guides patients, their loved ones, and caregivers through diagnosis, acceptance, and treatment, and provides support and hope to the tens of thousands of people coping with this illness.