The Award-Winning Essential Book about Dealing with Cancer

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​Cancer—the King of Dread in the American mind. 

​This book shows patients, partners, friends, relatives, caregivers, and co-workers what to do and say in a changed world.

The beauty of this book is that it addresses so many of the situations that arise in a cancer diagnosis. When it's you, it's the shock, bewilderment, fear—will I die? If it's a friend, relative, co-worker—what do you say, what do you do? And how do you tell a child their beloved parent has cancer? The author, a three-time survivor, has had all these experiences, and with compassion, tips, and even humor, guides you through this unfamiliar territory.

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"This book is a must-have for anyone affected directly or indirectly by cancer."

​Amy Johnson
Former ​broadcast journalist, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Former Chair, Iowa American Cancer Society
Cancer Advocate

Meet Shirley

​Inaugural recipient of the George Weiner Cancer Control Visionary Award from the Iowa Cancer Consortium

When Shirley was in her 30s she noticed a plethora of cancer in her family tree and began taking precautions. Good thing: At age 43 she was diagnosed with breast cancer. By 2005 cancer had struck her three times. Moreover, she saw that it was an ever increasing disease on the American scene and believed what the public needed was a regular platform on cancer.

A newspaper journalist, she suggested a cancer column to her managing editor. In 1991, "Cancer Update," the only known cancer column in the United States, was born. It became a hit for its understanding, compassion, information—and yes, humor! Upon retirement, Shirley compiled 70 of the most popular columns into a book, Finally: A Manual on How to Handle Cancer.
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Shirley enjoys antiquing, collecting art, entertaining, and especially, creating memorable table settings. She has four lights in her life: Husband George; daughter Anne Marie, and two grandchildren. She lives in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and plays a mean game of Ping-Pong!

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"Cancer survivors, families, and advocates have no greater champion than Shirley Ruedy."

 Gary Streit 
Former Chair of the National Board of the American Cancer Society​