John F. Smyth – författare

When he was appointed Edinburgh University’s first professor of medical oncology at the age of 33, John Smyth was already making a name for himself in the world of cancer research. Over the next three decades, he led the development of cancer medicine in Scotland, pushing ahead both research and education in the subject. In that time, he supervised the care of some 6,000 cancer patients, published more than 330 scientific papers and contributed to more than 40 books.Along with medicine, he has had a lifelong passion for both singing and flying light aircraft. While at Cambridge University, he was a founder-member of the Monteverdi Choir – widely held to be one of the finest chamber choirs in the world – and sang in it for 50 years.He lives in Edinburgh with his wife Ann, a professor of clinical psychology. Between them, they have four daughters and ten grandchildren.

Published in association with the European Society of Medical Oncology, this book is designed for trainee oncologists, oncology nurses, and those working with cancer patients on a day-to-day basis. Using an accessible writing style suitable for a wide audience of caregivers, the book focuses on the "soft skills" required in communicating with patients. Topics include the aetiology of cancer, diagnosis and staging, and explaining the purpose of treatment, including chemotherapy, hormone treatment, and immunological and gene-based therapies. The book also discusses patient support groups, monitoring remission, and relapse. Communicating with Cancer Patients is written by UK oncologists but has wide international application.