Five Things Friday: Power in the Pages of Five Books on Breast Cancer

Woman reading

Power in the Pages

Breast cancer is one of the most studied diseases in history. The internet is brimming with facts, figures, and information, ranging from inspirational personal stories to highly technical scientific papers. No matter what your level of interest, the material is there for reading or watching.

Some people find the virtual world overwhelming or they may simply prefer reading and referring to books. Fortunately, everything you ever wanted to know about breast cancer is also available in print or on e-readers. Real shelves are as packed with information as the online virtual ones.

Here are five relatively current books (2015 – 2020) that provide varied perspectives on breast cancer. The descriptions are those of the publishers, edited for length and flow.

Beat Breast Cancer Like a Boss: 30 Powerful Stories

by Ali Rogin (Editor), 2020

Beat Breast Cancer Like a Boss
A collection of inspiring stories from Edie Falco, Sheryl Crow, Athena Jones, Heidi Heitkamp, and others.

Learn how actresses, musicians, politicians, journalists, and entrepreneurs faced a formidable disease with dignity, strength, and humor and put it in its place. In their own words, the women of Beat Breast Cancer Like a Boss inform and encourage by sharing their experiences and advice: how they told loved ones, navigated treatment options, and managed the work/life/cancer balance.

The editor, Ali Rogin, tested positively for the BRCA1 genetic mutation at age twenty, undergoing a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy.

Radical: The Science, Culture, and History of Breast Cancer in America

by Kate Pickert, 2019

Radical
A healthcare journalist examines the science, history, and culture of breast cancer.

As a healthcare journalist, Kate Pickert knew the emotional highs and lows of medical treatments through the stories of her subjects. Then, at 35, she was diagnosed with an aggressive type of breast cancer. As she underwent more than a year of treatment, she realized that the popular understanding of breast care in America bears little resemblance to the experiences of today’s patients and the rapidly changing science 

designed to save their lives.

Drawing on interviews, journal entries, and recordings, Radical puts the story of breast cancer into context, and shows how modern treatments represent a long overdue shift in the way doctors approach cancer.

Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book

by Susan M. Love M.D. (Author), Karen Lindsey Elizabeth Love, 2015

Dr. Loves breast book
"The Bible for women with breast cancer" --New York Times

For more than two decades, readers faced with a diagnosis of breast cancer have relied on Dr. Susan Love’s Breast Book to help them find the best options for their particular situations. This sixth edition explains advances in targeted treatments, hormonal therapies, safer chemotherapy, and immunologic approaches as well as new forms of surgery and radiation. There is extensive guidance for

 the many women now living for years with metastatic breast cancer. With Dr. Love’s warm support, readers can sort the facts from the fads, ask the right questions, and recognize when a second opinion might be wise.

The Breast Cancer Survival Manual, Sixth Edition:

by John Link M.D.James Waisman M.D.Nancy Link R.N.Shlomit Ein-Gal M.D., 2017

The breast cancer survival manual
A Step-by-Step Guide for Women with Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer

The sixth edition of Breast Cancer Survival Manual provides essential updates on treatment and care. This edition includes:

  • The new genomic classification of breast cancer and its importance in treatment planning
  • Cancer gene testing, which determines if a woman will benefit from chemotherapy
  • Developments in breast cancer treatments with new targeted agents
  • The continued importance of getting a second opinion: why it’s important, what questions to ask, and how to decide which team of doctors is best for you.

Left Boob Gone Rogue: My Life With Breast Cancer

by Uzma Yunus M.D., 2018

left boob gone rogue

In 2013, at age 41, Dr. Yunus was diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer. In 2016 it was upgraded to Stage IV — terminal. Her diagnosis derailed a life of achievement, first as a determined medical student in Pakistan and later as an award-winning psychiatrist in the United States. Almost immediately after learning of her condition, Dr. Yunus began writing a personal blog of her experiences. Her honest, often funny look at cancer from the unique perspective of a clinician has earned her a loyal following in 172 countries. Her essays have appeared in “The 

New York Times,” “Huffington Post,” breastcancer.org, and many other publications. This book is a reminder that every moment should be appreciated and celebrated.

We hope you find power in these pages. If you have any books on breast cancer that helped you or a loved one facing or fighting this disease, please pass them on to us. Albie Aware will be happy to add their titles to this list of recommended reads for our clients in need. Thank you!

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