"I feel like there's a leopard in my house, locked in a room. I contacted the leopard authorities and they assured me that they are familiar with cases like this and have a plan for removing the leopard. It will take some time, though, and every now and then I can hear it growling. And that is very reassuring. Nevertheless, several times a day I think: 'Wait, there's a leopard in my house.'"

One day, while shaving, comedian Mark Steel noticed that one side of his neck looked larger than the other. After a brief tour of various medical professionals, a specialist made the ominous statement that would define the coming months of his life: "I'm afraid it's not good news, Mr. Steel." Thus began a journey into the heart of the NHS, as he embarked on the long and uncertain road to recovery from cancer through a series of mildly torturous and utterly miraculous treatments. What could he learn about himself – and our ability to cope with life when things get tough – as he becomes a member of a club that ultimately one in two Britons will join?

An honest and funny diary of a rather trying year, this is an unforgettable and encouraging story about how we get sick, move on, and get better.

• Pages: 320
• Year of Publication: 0527
• Dimensions: 16.3x16.3cm