One in Three: A Son's Journey into the History and Science of Cancer

by Adam Wishart

“Calming and illuminating . . . A story more gripping than frightening.”—Janet Maslin, The New York Times

Writer and documentary director Adam Wishart’s poignant and timely book on cancer is the first of its kind—a seamless blend of memoir and medical history that simultaneously explains science in an elegant, non-intimidating way and connects to the experience of being a patient. When his father was diagnosed with cancer, Wishart couldn’t find a book that answered his most basic questions: What was the disease and how did it take hold? What is it about cancer’s biology that makes it hard to eradicate? Are we to a cure? One in Three is a son’s personal and journalistic take on cancer’s history and the encouraging story of science’s progress in changing the outlook on cancer from a disease we die from to one we live with, providing the full account of the discovery of the disease, its treatment, and its prevention. Wishart’s candid discussion of his personal link to cancer is ultimately a story of hope, and one in which we may all find comfort. One in three of us will develop cancer. This book will help us to understand it without fear.

Genres: Medicine, Medical, Science, Nonfiction, Health, History

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 2, 2007

Reviews

[Holly McHale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book to learn about the history of cancer research, written back in 2005 so definitely not up to date and quite sad to hear how optimistic scientists were that by 2025 it would be seen as a treatable chronic condition much like diabetes.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am surprised I selected this book at the library - but I recently had a friend die of cancer and she was only in her early 50's; I also have two friends who lost their sisters to cancer; so perhaps that was why I picked it up.

I am surprised I continued reading this book after the first chapter. I found it not very interesting and decided not to read it. But, I ended up having to wait for some reason in my car and the only book I had with me was this one (it was in the car so I could return it to the library) - so I continued to read it and found that after the first chapter, I did like it.

I am surprised I liked this book, but I did. I liked most of the historical stories and stories of medical information that are interspersed with the stories about the author's father and his father's cancer. I was touched because the author says he and his father and indeed his family do not do emotions very well. They do information well, so he pursued information as his way of dealing with his father's cancer. I was impressed that the author was able to let himself deal with cancer and death in his own way and not feel tied up by other people's expectations.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

wishart weaves his father's experiences with cancer together with a cumulative look at cancer, how it is treated, diagnosed, and how it develops in our bodies. he addresses many of the topics covered when facing cancer; which treatment(s) is/are right for me, where did this come from (and what it is like to deal with the question when the answer is, i don't know), and what is my risk for developing cancer. his relationship with his father is a close one and the memories of time spent together and time spent dealing with the disease are a powerful compliment to the scientific detail of the book. anyone facing cancer or the cancer of a friend or loved one should read this one.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

A son's experience with his father's disease. Wishart delves into a brief history of cancer and the development of cancer treatments interspersed with the progression of his father's disease through observation, conversation, and reflection. The father's scientific background and curiosity challenges Wishart to pursue this and he does so in a manner that non-scientists can understand and appreciate.

[Cadillacrazy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book very interesting because it goes over the history of cancer treatments from the 1700 to present, intermingled in this history is a story of the death of the author's father which is told in a very frank, matter-of fact way.

[Crissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting journey through Wishart's personal battle with his father's cancer, as nicely complemented by a fascinating history of the disease. It's taking me a long time to read because there's just so much to take in! Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys epidemiology or medical history.

[Greg · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good blend of his story of his dad's cancer and the story of the history of cancer, very well written.