Oncologist Offers Advice For Doctors And Patients Dealing With Cancer

By John Ostapkovich

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A diagnosis of cancer can change everything and, often, a lot more support is needed than the doctor can provide. An oncologist's book, The Cancer Experience, tries to bring it all in focus.

Dr. Roy Sessions, with 40 years of cancer care under his belt, at first wanted to write for young doctors, to school them in what he sees as the most important skill in patient relations.

"I'm talking trust in your heart, in your mind, that you know that this doctor is first and foremost thinking of you. That's called beneficence in ethics circles."

But Dr. Sessions found, as the words rolled out, they applied equally to the folks on the other side of the equation: patients.

"I wrote the book trying to address both camps. I think that the lay public benefits tremendously from this and the responses I've gotten have proven that out."

The book covers a lot of terrain from how to win this battle, to how to keep the faith when you don't.