Tough Questions, Hard Choices: 16 Titles for October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Sep 1, 2010In 2010, people are still being asked to lobby Congress for money for breast cancer research and to walk/run/advocate for the cure. And research is being made, for example, with regard to cognitive-behavioral therapy and quality of life for women undergoing radiotherapy. In an era of customization, what could be more obvious than targeted therapies? Could studies of the CDK4 protein lead to the elimination of cancers dependent on that substance? Yet, breast cancer remains the second leading cancer killer among women, with an estimated 40,000 deaths expected this year. Is our vision on the future of breast cancer clouded by a little too much pink? Check out this thought-provoking mix of titles.
BEEN THERE, DONE THAT
Abel, Emily K. & Saskia K. Subramanian. After the Cure: The Untold Stories of Breast Cancer Survivors. New York Univ. Sept. 2010. 181p. index. ISBN 9780814707357. pap. $20. HEALTH
Posttreatment symptoms can be more debilitating than the rounds of chemo and radiotherapy that engender them. In this paperback reprint, a UCLA health services professor and a research sociologist address the mutual concerns women have that have kept them feeling isolated and out of control. (LJ 9/1/08)
Fox, Jackie. From Zero to Mastectomy: What I Learned and You Need To Know About Stage 0 Breast Cancer. Honyocker. Sept. 2010. c.117p. ISBN 9780578054162. pap. $12.95. HEALTH
Breast cancer is identified by its stage, from zero to four. Writer Fox was diagnosed with DCIS, or ductal carcinoma in situ, stage 0 and considered the most curable. Yet women will experience the same fears and emotions as with any other breast cancer diagnosis and often more confusion and frustration as to what to do next. Fox’s brief text should help those in a similar situation find answers and, more important, the right questions to pose to medical professionals.
Ortega, Yvonne. Finding Hope for Your Journey Through Breast Cancer: 60 Inspirational Readings. Revell. Sept. 2010. c.160p. ISBN 9780800734091. pap. $12.99. HEALTH
Originally released in 2006 as Hope for the Journey Through Cancer, this title from professional counselor Ortega relates her cancer experience along with the scripture passages that accompanied her. She opens each chapter with a “Hope Builder” Bible text to encourage patients who are searching for more than modern medicine. An update on Ortega concludes the book.
MEDICAL ADVICE
Braddock, Suzanne, M.D., & others. Straight Talk About Breast Cancer: From Diagnosis to Recovery. 4th ed. Addicus Bks. Oct. 2010. 151p. illus. index. ISBN 9781886039971. pap. $19.95. HEALTH
Dermatologist and 18-year breast cancer survivor Braddock joins with plastic surgeon John J. Edney, general/oncological surgeon Jane Kercher, and writer Melanie Morrissey Clark to update and expand this 1994 text. This accessible title includes the latest treatment and pharmacological options. With sidebars and highlighted tips. (2d ed., LJ 9/1/02)
Love, Susan M., M.D., with Karen Lindsey. Dr. Susan Love’s Breast Book. 5th rev. ed. Merloyd Lawrence: Da Capo. Oct. 2010. c.704p. illus. index. ISBN 9780738213590. pap. $22. HEALTH
The woman who almost singlehandedly brought public attention to the mammillary part of our bodies keeps the updates coming. With studies and research advancing at warp speed, this latest tome addresses genetics, how the cell environment influences treatment, new imaging protocols, breast density considerations, and “personalized medicine,” approaching each woman’s cancer individually. The review of the fourth edition (LJ 9/1/05) said that no library should be without it. Ditto that.
QuickFacts™ Breast Cancer: What You Need To Know—NOW. American Cancer Society. Oct. 2010. 312p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780604430318. pap. $8.95. HEALTH
Originally scheduled for a late 2009 release, this title appears now in a pocket-sized edition of “just the facts.” The content is divided among major sections—”Your Breast Cancer,” “Risk Factors and Causes,” “Prevention and Detection”—then subdivided and subdivided again for the most specific data readers need. Includes the latest studies on drug therapy and treatment. The American Cancer Society still recommends women undergo annual mammograms beginning at age 40. With a useful glossary.
Sokolowski, Nancy & Valerie Rossi. The Breast Cancer Companion: A Guide for the Newly Diagnosed. Demos. Sept. 2010. c.224p. ISBN 9781932603996. pap. $16.95. HEALTH
This workbook for breast cancer patients begins with a chapter titled “First Steps,” covering the initial consultation, your paperwork and your team, the pathology report, and insurance. The text is broken up into easily digestible bites and lists, including what to bring to the hospital the day of your surgery. General collections will find this a difficult circulating item as the journal/calendar/planner pages are to be filled in by the reader. Recommended for comprehensive collections as a resource for the newly diagnosed. At this price, patients may want to purchase their own copies. Note: one of the resources listed, MAMM Magazine, was discontinued in 2009.
When Your Doctor Says Breast Cancer: A Guide to Regaining Control over Your Health and Well-Being. KWS Pubs., dist. by Univ. of Chicago. Oct. 2010. 350p. ed. by David Cooke, M.D. index. ISBN 9780780811690. pap. $29.95. HEALTH
Piloting this newest title for the recently diagnosed and their families, Cooke (general medicine, Univ. of Michigan Health Syst.) parses breast cancer via four main areas: “Understanding Your Diagnosis,” “Test, Procedures, and Treatments,” “Moving Forward,” and “Research and Resources.” Each section is further subdivided under more specific terms and detailed topics. A valuable resource.
ADVOCACY
Brinker, Nancy G. with Joni Rodgers. Promise Me: How a Sister’s Love Launched the Global Movement To End Breast Cancer. Broadway. Sept. 2010. c.368p. ISBN 9780307718129. $25.99; CD. Random Audio. ISBN 9780307749970. $25. HEALTH
This dual biography chronicles two devoted sisters growing up in Middle America and an ancient disease and its insidious determination to imprint itself on our lives. Brinker, founder of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, begins at the beginning, in 1940s Peoria, IL, with her older sister, Suzy. Alternating between the history of the Goodman girls and the disease to which Suzy succumbed in 1980 at age 37, this book is a tribute to a beloved sibling and recognition of an international organization whose goal is to eradicate the disease that killed her. For every library; buy multiples for all those cities where Komen for the Cure stages an event.
McCormick, Sabrina. No Family History: The Environmental Links to Breast Cancer. Rowman & Littlefield. (New Social Formations). 2010. 184p. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780742564091. pap. $16.95. HEALTH
“The book is unique in its look at the activists and their demands for a refocus in breast cancer research” (LJ 6/1/09; LJ 9/1/09). Still important; now in paperback.
Padgett, Fran. Breast Cancer: No One Chose This Journey; A Tribute. Bayou Pub. (Breast Cancer Recovery). 2010. 83p. illus. ISBN 9781886298330. pap. $19.95. HEALTH
Artist and breast cancer survivor Padgett, moved to join in the fight against the disease that affected both of her breasts, founded the nonprofit Weathervane Foundation, with a mandate to discover breast cancer’s cause and cure. The result of her encounters with women who have shared their stories and stories of their loved ones, this collection also features Padgett’s personalized artwork. To let families and patients know they are not alone.
Sulik, Gayle A. Pink Ribbon Blues: How Breast Cancer Culture Undermines Women’s Health. Oxford Univ. Oct. 2010. c.400p. index. ISBN 9780199740451. $29.95. HEALTH
Sulik (sociology & women’s studies, Texas Woman’s Univ.) considers the pink ribbon more of a noose around women’s necks than its ubiquitous identification with self-awareness and empowerment, with branding and merchandising usurping the need for greater recognition of the breast cancer experience. “Pink ribbon culture is geared more toward encouraging people to feel good about the cause than to acknowledge the often difficult and un-pretty realities of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.” Provocative, to say the least; for academic collections and sociology students.
TAKING CONTROL
Flynn, Mary & Nancy Verde Barr. The Pink Ribbon Diet: A Revolutionary New Weight Loss Plan To Lower Your Breast Cancer Risk. Da Capo Lifelong. Oct. 2010. c.288p. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780738213941. pap. $16.95. HEALTH
Perhaps most diets are based on fads and fears in equal measure, making dieters desperate to pursue them and then easily disappointed at the “not typical” results. A research dietitian and an assistant professor at Brown Medical School, Flynn conducted a study of breast cancer patients and food patterns, sponsored by Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation. Her findings are at the heart of her olive oil–based Mediterranean diet, which leads to positive measures of blood lipids, blood sugar, and insulin—all markers for breast cancer. A reasonable plan, even if you just want to maintain a healthy weight.
Kollak, Ingrid & Isabell Utz-Billing, M.D. Yoga and Breast Cancer: A Journey to Health and Healing. Demos. Sept. 2010. c.224p. illus. ISBN 9781932603910. pap. $21.95. HEALTH
Nurse and author Kollak (Yoga for Nurses) and physician Utz-Billing have studied yoga practice specifically with breast cancer patients and consider yoga a significant addition to a recovery protocol. They outline the dynamics of yoga and how the poses—asanas—can be customized for every woman, no matter her physical limitations or length of time postsurgery. The photos clearly illustrate the postures; “Quick Look” boxes summarize the moves for each chapter. For all patient health collections.
Port, Dina Roth. Previvors: Facing the Breast Cancer Gene and Making Life-Changing Decisions. Avery: Penguin Group (USA). Oct. 2010. c.288p. index. ISBN 9781583334058. pap. $16. HEALTH
Five women who tested positive for a genetic predisposition to breast cancer had prophylactic bilateral mastectomies to reduce their chances of getting the disease. Here, they offer a support group for women who have access to the latest technology in genetic testing and still must make life-altering decisions based on that information. These “previvors” put forth their stories as a guide and succor for others. With the same girl’s club vibe as Nordie’s at Noon (LJ 9/1/06), this title is an eye-opener for all health collections.
CANCER IN ART
Arena, Francis P., M.D., & Tanya Bastianich Manuali. Reflections of the Breast: Breast Cancer in Art Through the Centuries. Brick Tower. 2010. c.120p. illus. ISBN 9781883283766. pap. $23.95. HEALTH
Arena (on the board of the 1 in 9 Breast Cancer Coalition) and Manuali (Ph.D. in Renaissance history and daughter of famed chef Lidia Bastianich) trace our knowledge of breast cancer from ancient Egypt through artifacts and later artwork by the likes of Michelangelo, Raphael, William Frederick Yeames, and Peter Paul Rubens, among others. The disease itself is documented in representations of saints and noted women of the times. A fascinating look at a disease that has been ravaging women for thousands of years. Not necessarily for every coffee table.
