Genes and the Biology of Cancer (Scientific American Library Series, No. 42)

An excelent short biology book on cancer, written by two of the worlds leading experts. There are very few up-to-date books on the biology of cancer. Even though a dacade old, this is the best place to start if you find a copy. Readers with a little knowledge of biology will appreciate it more. This book is not necessarily an "easy read". The authors introduction addresses "The motivated but non-expert reader." The photos and illustrations are appreciated. A lot of information is packed into about 200 pages. Covers such topics as oncogenes, tumor supressor genes, growth factors, transmembrane receptors, signaling pathways, etc. Gives some historic background and describes some of the methods of research used. Gives an over-all picture of the multi-step model of cancer's origins. Does not cover medical/clinical aspects of cancer. You may want to read this book because you have cancer and want to study a little about it. A good choice. For a good, shorter, simpler book, read Robert Weinburg's other book, "One Renegade Cell".