Previously published as If the President Had Cancer...

Cancer Cure: How to find and get the best there is.

by Gary Schine

"A fine guide and reference source
from someone who has lived the experience
and learned how to teach others.
-Bernie Siegel, M.D.

"An important resource for anyone facing the cancer challenge."
-Judy Gerner, Director, The Anderson Network
MD Anderson Cancer Center

"I shudder to think what would happen
if I didn't read If the President Had Cancer.
My father owes however many years he has left to this book."
-Jill Bortman, Lincoln, RI

Medical science has come a long way in treating cancer.
Developments and discoveries continue to come very rapidly. Research and experimentation is constantly taking place at hundreds of hospitals, clinics, and universities throughout the country and the world.

However, people in need often don't get the best care because they are ignorant about their disease and its treatment alternatives.
Too many patients assume that their doctor is fully abreast of all the latest information about their condition and its treatment. Further, too many patients are afraid to challenge their doctor's knowledge or his status as the undisputed decision maker.

Because developments come so rapidly, it is simply naive to assume that every doctor is up-to-date on every kind of cancer and treatment.
When your life is at stake, the fear of challenging or even insulting the doctor by questioning his knowledge or recommendations simply must be overcome.

You must get the best information available and assert your right to make decisions that will impact upon your survival and your quality of life.
This book will show you how to find the information you need to have, how to use it to your advantage, and how to deal with a medical establishment that does not encourage patients to exercise their rights to learn and decide.

Specifically, this book will show you how to:

• Access the Latest Information, both on and off the World Wide Web
• Ask Your Doctor the Right Questions
• Get a Second Opinion
• Find Out about Clinical Trials
• Use Contacts
• Find Out a Doctor's Qualifications and Abilities
• Anticipate and Overcome Obstacles

Table of Contents

1.  Introduction............................................1
            What This Guide Is Meant to Do..................5
2.  Finding Basic Information...............................9
            National Cancer Institute.......................9
            Cancer and Health Associations.................13
            Medical Textbooks..............................14
3.  Evaluating Your Doctor.................................15
            Certifications.................................15
            Board Certification............................15
            Know Your Doctor's Background..................16
4.  Questions to Ask Your Doctor...........................19
            Suggested Questions - Illness and Treatment....20
            Questions Regarding Tests......................25
5.  Your Medical Records...................................27
            Why You Need Your Records......................27
            Where Your Records Are.........................28
            Access to Your Records.........................29
            Obtaining Your Records.........................30
            Examining Your Records.........................33
6.  Getting a Second Opinion...............................35
            Why the Reluctance to Get a Second Opinion?....36
            Why a Second Opinion Is Necessary..............37
            Where to Get Your Second Opinion...............38
7.  Clinical Trials and Medical Research...................45
            Science Versus Supposition.....................46
            Scientific Research............................47
            How Clinical Trials Work.......................49
8.  Information Regarding Alternative Medicine.............57
            What Are Alternative Medicines?................57
            The Scientific Method & Alternative Medicine...58
            Finding Information on Alternative Medicine....59
9.  Finding the Latest Information Available
                              About Your Illness...........63
            Organization of This Section...................63
            Libraries......................................64
            Computers and Research.........................66
            Accessing the Databases........................80
            Chapter Conclusion.............................94
10.  Cancer Information on the Internet....................97
            Searching Capabilities.........................97
            Uncontrolled Access............................98
            Searching on the World Wide Web................99
            Using Search Engines..........................100
            Available Internet Offerings..................100
            Usegroups on the Internet.....................102
11.  Having the Research Done For You.....................105
            Schine On-Line Services.......................105
            Doing Your Own Research Versus
                        Having It Done For You............107
12.  Conclusion...........................................109
Epilogue..................................................111
Appendix I.   Glossary....................................113
Appendix II.  NCI Designated Cancer Centers...............130
Appendix III. NCI Free Publications.......................138
Appendix IV.  Associations for Cancer Patients 
                                    and Survivors.........146
Appendix V.   Selected References.........................171
Index.....................................................175

This book is not meant to be an indictment of doctors. Many of the criticisms lodged at physicians may result from the expectations that we as patients have for those who are advising and treating us. Too often we expect them to have all the answers and solutions. We demand not only technical expertise in medicine, but also flawless interpersonal and communications skills, a sophisticated understanding of psychology, unlimited availability, and a potpourri of superhuman abilities. Sometimes, when doctors behave in ways that we consider arrogant, they are merely reflecting the image that patients have demanded they fulfill.

Furthermore, this book does not advocate so-called alternatives like foreign treatments of dubious scientific merit, cure by miracle diet, or cure by positive thinking. Indeed, Gary Schine was treated and apparently cured by traditionally trained physicians with the skill to administer the latest drugs that were developed by traditional medical research.

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