The first edition of The Cancer Dictionary (1992) focused on demystifying the disease plaining the various cancers, the treatments available, and the risks. The intent was to identify and define each word, in lay terms, that patients might encounter during their illnesses. The second edition, published in 2000, expanded coverage to include acronyms, abbreviations, drugs, diagnostic tests, procedures, and more. In the third edition, the original number of defined terms has grown to more than 2,500, and the dictionary has a more optimistic tone, reflecting the fact that more cancers are regarded as treatable, survivable chronic diseases. In addition to the basic diagnostic tests, treatments, and risks, coverage includes the latest treatment advances in radiation, chemotherapy, pain management, surgical procedures, and even alternative medicine. Cancer prevention, vaccines, warning signs, clinical trials, and rare and previously unknown cancers are discussed. The dictionary's last pages are devoted to 3 appendixes scriptive listings and Web sites of cancer and AIDS national organizations, a state-by-state list of 39 comprehensive cancer centers, and a listing of 22 National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated clinical cancer centers addition to a subject index, subject bibliography, and general index. All information is current as of January 2006. There is little doubt that as research has progressed, this dictionary continues to keep pace. It is an excellent and authoritatively comprehensive resource easily accessible and understood by its audience. Recommended for all consumer-health collections.