This book is the essential cancer primer! Following the model of his successful previous books, How the Immune System Works and How Pathogenic Viruses Work, Lauren Sompayrac here explains the basics of cancer: what it is, what it does, and what is being done to try to cure it. In nine clear and concise “Lectures,” Dr. Sompayrac conveys the essentials of what we know about human malignancies, using his trademark style of every day example, metaphor, anecdote and humor. Focusing on ten of the most common cancers, the book shows -- step by step -- what conditions and events are necessary for tumors to form and grow and what has been learned about stopping that process. This brief book, which can be read in a few sittings, will provide you with a broad basic understanding of our most feared disease. The ideal text for science, medical, and nursing students, practicing physicians and nurses, and all others who need a readable overview of this complex topic.