Examines what cancer is, how it develops, and how it is treated; and explores common types of cancer and differences in cancer's occurrence around the world.

Discusses how gene therapy works, what diseases may be treated by it, what the moral and ethical issues are, and provides case studies of Ashi DeSilva and Jesse Gelsinger.

Discusses the aging process and diseases associated with it, compares human and animal life spans, describes geriatrics and its history, examines ways of extending life, and includes background material on cell biology.

Provides an overview of reproductive rights and technology, a review of the relevant law, a chronology, biographical sketches, and an annotated bibliography.