The entire subject of the management of breast cancer is in turmoil, and a spate of books, pamphlets, audiotapes, videotapes, and conferences reflect the tensions. This book, edited by respected clinical surgeons of the old Memorial School, New York, reviews the subject with a historic perspective brought up to date by clinical colleagues primarily from the New York metropolitan area. Forty-five percent (29/64) of the authors are from New York, where the "Memorial tradition" is very strong. The book best serves as a pragmatic reference for clinicians. Many controversial issues, from etiology and risk factors to alternative methods of treatment, are covered. Some chapters are remarkably short (four to six pages), but they are well illustrated, adequately supported by factual data, and, in general, extremely well referenced.
The major strength of this book is its role as a practical, succinct reference. Its equally major weakness is its lack of scientific