Almeida and Barry, both teachers at Stonehill College, provide an easily accessible textbook on cancer biology for undergraduate nonscience and science majors, with plenty of information on diagnosis and treatment to interest general readers. Written in plain language, in an upbeat conversational tone, the book offers high-interest features such as stories of real people, some famous like Gilda Radner and Lance Armstrong, along with color photos and color anatomical and chemical illustrations. The first section provides molecular, cellular, and genetic background for unprepared students and those who need a refresher, with chapters on basics of cancer, cells, the human genome and protein function, the cell cycle, and tumor formation and growth. The second half of the book begins with general information on cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment, then looks at major specific types of cancer, such as lung and prostate cancer. These chapters reviews the anatomy and function of the affected body parts, and cover symptoms, risk factors, screening and diagnosis, causes, and treatments under investigation. Learning features include chapter review questions, key terms, and definitions. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)