Doctor, I Think I've Found a Lump

The story of the revolution in breast cancer medicine, from a pioneering doctor whose specialist expertise, ground-breaking research and compassionate approach has extended (and saved) thousands of lives over the last 50 years.

In the 1970s, a breast cancer diagnosis was a bleak sentence; over 60 per cent of women died from the disease, the testing of toxic drugs was still in its infancy, and treatment was conducted in an era of intimidating, male-dominated wards. Today, that figure is around 25 per cent, as the past has given way to an age of cutting-edge personalised medicine, spearheaded by as many female pioneers as male.

In his moving and insightful memoir, breast cancer specialist Dr Ian E Smith tells this remarkable story, tracing the evolution of breast cancer care in step with his own journey, from fledgling junior doctor to a leader in oncology at The Royal Marsden. Explaining the nature of the condition through a series of moving tales of the patients who put their lives in his care, he illuminates the scientific leaps that turned the tide, from the discovery of targeted therapies like Herceptin to the next-generation drugs in development today. And with compassion, he pays tribute to the women whose determination paved the way for gentler, more effective treatments.

Doctor, I've Found a Lump is a celebration of progress and a resounding message of hope for patients of breast cancer and their families everywhere.