Early Detection: Catching Cancer When It's Curable

by Bruce Ratner, Adam Bonislawski

"A lucid, persuasive case for overhauling diagnosis regimes to catch cancer early rather than late."
—Kirkus Reviews

Catching cancer early remains the single best way to combat a disease that is the second-leading killer in both the US and worldwide. But the vast majority of resources in the fight against cancer are devoted to relatively ineffective late stage treatments. Early Detection examines this important anomaly in an accessible and expertly researched survey.

In a co-authorship that brings together the passion and urgency of someone touched deeply by the experience of cancer with the knowledge of a skilled science writer, Ratner and Bonislawski narrate compelling case studies across a range of screening programs and different forms of cancer. They look at the science underpinning early detection and discuss the organizational and social challenges of widespread screening, a dimension that has been shown to be especially important in the COVID-19 pandemic. And they call for the government and the medical establishment to provide resources for expanding screening, especially in economically disadvantaged communities that have traditionally been underserved.

Genres: Nonfiction

305 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 11, 2024

Reviews

[Harlow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I discovered this important book thanks to the authors’ appearance on CNBC Squawk Box. Galleri’s CEO was also on Squawk recently. Thanks to the NYPL, I read the ebook. Thanks to the Brooklyn Public Library, I watched the Ratner and Errol Louis interview.

I wish I was in the UK to participate in the Galleri RCT. Who wouldn’t want to be in the trial?

Screening early versus treating late, if your doctor doesn’t know what Galleri is, it might be time to gift them this book and find a new doctor. My doctor already took the test (in RCT) and offers it (~$949USD).

Cancer is complicated and it’s the number two killer, after heart disease. Family history impacts early detection, given 20 percent is genetic. Do you need to see a genetic counselor? Have you had the applicable five cancer screenings? Mr. Ratner has created a disciple!

It was unsettling to read about mammogram screenings. Now I understand why “breast density” suddenly appeared on my mammogram report.

Finally, I was inspired by the doctors and scientists discussed in this important book.

EDIT: Listening to “Breasts” (2018) by Dr. Kristi Funk and learning more about “breast density.” Now I know there are density classes (A, B, C, D).
The classes aren’t used by NYMI (2026) and didn’t appear on the report sent to my gyno (2025), maybe just used in California?

EDIT: Super Bowl time! Your Attention, Please commercial (2025 Novartis) and
Relax it’s a blood test commercial (2026 Novartis)

EDIT: fast forward to October 2025! I listened to Raising GenV (2/4/25, 0:53:08) and Dr. Kristi Funk

EDIT: Galleri failed clinical trial (New York Times 2/21/2026)

[Mark Clubine · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Early Detection" by Ratner and Bonislawski makes a strong, evidence-based argument for prioritizing cancer screening, showing how early diagnosis can save lives and reduce healthcare costs. The book offers practical solutions to improve access to screening, making it a valuable resource for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the general public.

I was especially moved by the way the book exposes shortcomings in the current cancer care landscape. The authors make a painstakingly detailed argument that we should really be screening early rather than treating late. We have the tools to save lives, but we've lost the forest for the trees - focusing on therapy and treatment rather than screening and prevention.

An important book!

[Renae Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book struck me deeply and opened my eyes. Cancer is a topic I haven’t fully explored before. But it is one that I should have likely taken the time to learn more about, especially since my grandmother passed away from brain cancer in the early 2000s and my aunt is currently battling it. Frankly, it isn't easy to discuss. Sometimes, there is a great deal of fear in even reading up or researching the topic.

However, this book is enlightening. I learned a lot. I was shocked to discover how prevalent cancer diagnoses are, making the topic of this book even more critical. I like how the authors approached the subject. To begin with, one’s own experience is awfully brave, especially when Cancer has impacted one's life so much.

The author shares a wealth of personal experience on this topic. Their journey is humbling and deeply touching; truly, no one comprehends the harsh truths of battle better than someone who has been on the front lines repeatedly. This gives the book a heartfelt authenticity. The narrative passionately advocates for improved outcomes for those diagnosed with cancer, not only highlighting the importance of early detection but also urging for expanded measures, acknowledging it as a crucial step in improving quality of life and life expectancy.

It's not just a position supported by personal experience. The authors also offer data-driven evidence to emphasize why early detection is crucial and how the current standard can be enhanced. There's no hasty conjecture here.

This is a thoughtfully researched topic and an incredibly important book, especially considering how widespread cancer diagnoses are. As the author points out, "For men, there is roughly a one-in-two chance that they will develop cancer in their lifetime and a one-in-three chance for women, according to the NCI." That is staggering. So much gratitude for this book.

[Chris Talbott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend this book as a wake up call for all of us as individuals and especially for medical and public health professionals. It is highly readable despite the serious subject. The book clearly shows how we already have tools to dramatically decrease death by cancer, if we could only implement a thorough early detection program that includes a big investment in public awareness campaigns. Meanwhile better early detection tools are finally on the way, all the more reason to get a system in place to manage these tests. I’ve seen documentaries with a conspiratorial tone that make a similar point - billions of dollars go into research on expensive drugs that might extend someone with late stage cancer’s life for a few months. Because someone profits on that. Meanwhile, only a fraction of the budgets of all the big organizations devoted to ending cancer goes to early detection. Those ratios need to be switched. This book dispenses with conspiracies or finger-pointing, and just lays bare the convincing facts. As an individual, this has forever changed how I will approach my own care, and my conversations with my primary physician. I’m going to begin by investing in a lung scan, which my insurance won’t cover, but for anyone who has been exposed to smoke is important. But a copy of this book for your doctor! I’m going to do so.

[Joe Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned a lot from this very accessible work on how to treat cancer, and make it more curable, if it can be caught in its earliest stages. The efforts to screen early for colon cancer, for instance, seem to be having great success. Lung cancer screening, on the other hand, seems nonexistent for smokers and former smokers over 50. Why? Well, read the book. It also goes into great detail on the issue of health equity. People from black and brown communities in this country aren't getting the level of care they should. Hopefully this book and others like it will call out this issue so policymakers will see the light and make real changes.

[Sachi Ito · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking call for change

The stories of how cancer has taken so many lives is heartbreaking, but I was filled with hope with the authors ideas about detecting cancer early, rather than treating it after it is already out of hand. After reading this book, it is crystal clear why detecting cancer early has a better survival rate. I now see different tests, like the Pap smear, in a very different light. I never took early detection tests, so seriously before I read this book. It has inspired me to pay closer attention to my health.

[Delnora Loyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really excellent, well written and researched book. Central thesis is that too much research dollars going to long shot cures for metastatic and advanced cancer. When we already have the ability to decrease cancer mortality by more effectively using the screening tests available now. And catch cancers at an earlier more curable stage. For example, LdCt for lung cancer screening only used in 5% of the eligible population. And lung cancer remains biggest cancer killer in the US

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, the authors prevent a compelling, convincing argument about why early detection of cancer is critical to help increase recovery. More funding to improve technologies for early testing, better training for technicians and doctors in screening, spreading awareness of early detection options, ensuring people in lower-class economic levels can afford to get testing and access preventive care, and undertreating versus overtreating are among the many topics covered.

[Priscilla Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very eye opening and informative - some points resonated and was a breath of fresh air with shedding light on how healthcare is very reactive in nature with cancers and disease in general.

Very inspirational to see where medicine is and how it would be beneficial to progress with a different mindset and healthcare platform. A-ok!

[Tara Dodson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent call to action

This was a great read! My perspective of the cancer research and cancer 'cures" that are available today are not that at all. I feel like all this research is getting us nowhere. This sentiment is reiterated in this book and I think more people should examine this. I'd really recommend this book.

[Keith Malek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't recommend enough this highly important book. One minor criticism I have of it is that it can sometimes be a little vague. For example, the authors mention that there's a blood test that can detect 50 different types of cancers, and yet, they don't say what the name of the test is. Then again, that's what doctors are for.

[Evan Gold · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book on the current state of cancer in the United States. It is really interesting the ways in which the medical business model effects the types of care. I am hoping that in a shift towards preventative medicine the payer model also shifts towards prevention for more equitable and human centered results.

[William C. Sneed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't ignore the signs. Get tested ASAP!

If you're a woman or a man, get tested. It could save your life. Don't say I'm Ok especially as you get older. Cancer is disease we all fear no matter what your age is. Of the four stages of cancer, stage 4 is the most deadly. Early detection may save your life. For the sake of your loved ones, get tests.

[N N · Rating 4 out of 5]

First half or so was a very helpful explainer of current early cancer detection tools that are out there. Then it got a bit boring for me as it went into implementation / rollout of such tools — this just seemed much more common sense and less content-rich than the first half.

[Barb Wiseberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This should be a must-read for everyone!!!!

[Reid Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fine but more of a broad based discussion of previous public health challenges in cancer early detection, rather than anything about how to detect cancer early.