The series, Hormones in Health and Disease, was launched in 1993 to provide a scientific platform for investigators engaged in research on the biological actions of hormones and to anticipate relevance for their findings in clinical applications. The first volume of the series was dedicated to the discussion and understanding of molecular mechanisms by which steroid hormones influence target cells in normal and pathological conditions. With the diversity of information and the vast amount of literature on steroid hormone physiology, a more thorough treatment of Hormones and Cancer was identified as a timely topic. In this second volume in the series, Dr. Wayne V. Vedeckis has success fully undertaken the monumental task of editing the findings of the leading investigators in hormone and cancer research. Dr. Vedeckis brings to this project two decades of research experience in hormone action; he is actively engaged in elucidating hormone and cancer interrelations. It is a pleasure to welcome him to the series as an editor and congratulate him and all contribu tors in presenting this comprehensive treatise. The 20 chapters include discussions on contemporary topics relating control of cell division and signal transduction to the basic mechanisms of carcinogenesis by cloning patient genes, and recognizing the importance of steroid receptors in treatment protocols of various endocrine abnormalities.