British Journal of Radiology 75 (2002),856 © 2002 The British Institute of Radiology
Oncology. Ed by R A J Spence and P G Johnston, pp. xiv+536, 2001 (Oxford University Press, Oxford), £22.95 ISBN 0 19 262982 4
V L Barley
Oncology has been published as one of the Oxford Core Texts by Oxford University Press, who also publish the Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine and other definitive volumes covering the range of medical practice. Many of the contributors are from Belfast, where the editors hold Chairs in the Queen's University of Belfast.
Each chapter provides a summary of epidemiology, pathology, staging and treatment, finishing with a case history to illustrate common problems. This textbook is designed for undergraduates and has been written in the modern educational style. Thus there are useful tables and many of the facts are presented in summary form using bullet points.
Although this has inevitably covered the range of oncology somewhat superficially, it has nevertheless been possible to highlight the salient features and would, I am sure, serve as a useful reference book for physicians and surgeons who need an accessible handbook. Although there is not sufficient detailed information for practising oncologists, specialist registrars may find it useful for revision of essential information.
In view of the lack of oncology textbooks for medical students, I think this is a welcome addition to the Oxford Core Text series and may well find a place in medical school libraries as well as the bookshelves of interested students.
