Ranjana Srivastava – författare

Cancer. It's the diagnosis no one wants to hear. Unfortunately though, these days most of us have known or will know someone who receives it. But what's next? With the diagnosis comes not only fear and uncertainty, but numerous questions, and a lot of unsolicited advice. With A Cancer Companion, esteemed oncologist Ranjana Srivastava is here to help, bringing both experience and honesty to guide cancer patients and their families through this labyrinth of questions and treatments. With candor and compassion, Srivastava provides an approachable and authoritative reference. She begins with the big questions, like what cancer actually is, and she moves on to offer very practical advice on how to find an oncologist, what to expect during and after treatments, and how to manage pain, diet, and exercise. She discusses in detail the different therapies for cancers and why some cancers are inoperable, and she skillfully addresses the emotional toll of the disease. She speaks clearly and directly to cancer patients, caretakers, and their loved ones, offering straightforward information and insight, something that many oncologists can't always convey in the office.

''Cancer patients put up with the most and complain the least, endowed with an uncommon wisdom that is a privilege to observe. It is not simply that they see the big picture; if you spend long enough with them, they help you see it too.'' What really happens when someone hears the words, ''You have cancer?''  What has preceded it and what comes after? Written with great compassion and honesty, this is a rare view from the other side of the desk. Oncologist Ranjana Srivastava reflects on the very human side of the medical profession – the moral dilemmas, the anxieties, the empathy  – and shows us that the best doctors are the ones who keep learning by listening to their patients. This book is much more than an oncologist''s diary; it is an acknowledgement of the incredible courage of ordinary people as they confront the big issues of life and death.

We put much store in freedom of choice, but when it comes to our own medical diagnosis and treatment, are we equipped to make the best decisions? And are healthcare professionals properly prepared to guide us? Alarmingly, oncologist and award-winning writer Ranjana Srivastava says they''re not, and people are suffering — even dying — as a result. The internet encourages people to self-diagnose and browse for expensive and often unnecessary specialist attention, while healthcare workers feel bound to provide whatever service a patient requests, even if they know it to be risky, of dubious value, or a delay of the inevitable. And as doctors increasingly specialise, they offer patients only a small part of the puzzle of their health, crucially lacking an overall picture. Srivastava contends that the best medicine should begin with a good chat. But our doctors are often ill equipped for the task. In her frank and clear-eyed assessment of an unacknowledged crisis, she makes an impassioned case for healthcare training to incorporate effective communication skills alongside advanced medicine.''A humane treatise exploring the relationship between doctors and their patients''West Australian

As medical care improves, Australians are surviving cancer in increasing numbers. But there is little information about life post-treatment – what are some common themes and long-term side effects that people can expect to encounter? With warmth and vigour, After Cancer demystifies the aftermath of treatment, delving into what survivorship really entails. Oncologist Dr Ranjana Srivastava also introduces a useful survivorship template. Using available evidence and a good dose of common sense, she outlines how survivors can seize control of their life. By asking the right questions of their providers, survivors can find their way back to clarity. Reviews for Ranjana Srivastava''s books  ''A moving examination of the way doctors and patients communicate.'' The Australian  ''Enlightening.'' The Age  ''A humane treatise exploring the relationship between doctors and their patients.'' West Australian

'Illuminating, inspiring and intensely practical' HUGH MACKAY, author of The Good Life 'Brimming with pathos and profound insights' KON KARAPANAGIOTIDIS, author of The Power of Hope Of all the experiences we share, two universal events bookend our lives: we are all born and we will all die. We don't have a choice in how we enter the world, but we can have a say in how we leave it. In order to die well, we must be prepared to contemplate our mortality and to broach it with our loved ones, who are often called upon to make important decisions on our behalf. These are some of the most important conversations we can have with each other – to find peace, kindness and gratitude for what has gone before, and acceptance of what is to come. Dr Ranjana Srivastava draws on two decades of experience to share her observations and advice on leading a meaningful life and finding dignity and composure at its end. With an emphasis on advocacy, leaving a legacy, and staying true to our deepest convictions, Dr Srivastava tells stories of strength, hope and resilience in the face of grief, and offers an optimistic meditation on living and dying well.‘At last, a book that teaches us how to die with kindness, courage and grace’ CAROLINE BAUM, author of Only ‘The perfect balm for a fearful and technocratic world’ MICHAEL McGIRR, author of Books that Saved My Life‘What a gift! Read it and give it to everyone you love’ KATE RICHARDS, author of Madness: A Memoir ‘Irresistibly compassionate, convincing and wise’ MORAG ZWARTZ, author of Being Sam‘Moving and informative, this book will leave an indelible mark’ AUSTRALIAN WOMEN’S WEEKLY Dr Ranjana Srivastava OAM is an oncologist, award-winning writer, broadcaster and Fulbright scholar. www.ranjanasrivastava.com

Every Word Matters is an essential guide for writers who want to make a difference. Renowned for her insightful columns in the Guardian, Dr Ranjana Srivastava brings her signature clarity and intelligence to the art of writing opinion columns, advocacy pieces and essays. With wisdom and warmth, she skilfully guides readers through the challenges and rewards of writing. From simplifying complex ideas to developing a distinctive voice and engaging the audience, Srivastava offers practical advice drawn from her own experiences of both setbacks and successes. Whether your goal is to educate, inspire, or advocate, this book will help you transform your ideas into compelling writing. What makes Every Word Matters especially powerful is Srivastava’s dual perspective as both an oncologist and a writer, giving her a unique understanding of the power of language to inform, persuade and heal. A must read for aspiring writers, professionals, and anyone curious about the writing process, Every Word Matters is a powerful reminder of why writing well truly matters.

Every Word Matters is an essential guide for writers who want to make a difference.Winner, Outstanding Columnist, 2025 Kennedy AwardsRenowned for her insightful columns in the Guardian, Dr Ranjana Srivastava brings her signature clarity and intelligence to the art of writing opinion columns, advocacy pieces and essays.With wisdom and warmth, she skilfully guides readers through the challenges and rewards of writing. From simplifying complex ideas to developing a distinctive voice and engaging the audience, Srivastava offers practical advice drawn from her own experiences of both setbacks and successes.Whether your goal is to educate, inspire, or advocate, this book will help you transform your ideas into compelling writing.What makes Every Word Matters especially powerful is Srivastava’s dual perspective as both an oncologist and a writer, giving her a unique understanding of the power of language to inform, persuade and heal.A must read for aspiring writers, professionals, and anyone curious about the writing process, Every Word Matters is a powerful reminder of why writing well truly matters.