The Secret History of the War on Cancer

In writing about the history of the war on cancer, epidemiologist Devra Davis explains why such secrecy surrounds the subject. Since so many products and industrial processes have been shown to cause malignancies, much of the research and information has been suppressed for business reasons. The most studied cause-and-effect relationship, tobacco smoking and carcinoma of the lung, still remains obfuscated and minimized by the successful companies who sell cigars and cigarettes. Narrator Pam Ward brings a bright light to a dark topic. Her enthusiasm never wavers; furthermore, she dominates the formidable vocabulary of scientific terms and uses subtle techniques to portray conversations and quotes. For such a lengthy discussion, Ward finds just the right speed to keep listeners' attention and yet preserve comprehension. J.A.H. (c) AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine