Breast Cancer For Dummies [Paperback]

Ronit Elk Ph.D. (Author), Monica Morrow M.D. (Author), Ronit Elk (Author), Monica Morrow (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2003 | ISBN-10: 0764524828 | ISBN-13: 978-0764524820 | Edition: 1

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with breast cancer, you're probably confused, afraid, shocked, or even angry. Or you may be all of the above. Let this book become your trusted manual. Discover more about the cancer, explore treatment options, find ways to make this part of your life easier. Let shared experiences serve as your knowledgeable guide and anchor to help you make wise and confident choices.

Think of breast cancer as a journey and this book as your roadmap. Have you already been diagnosed? In that case, this book can help you explore these important truths:

• Breast cancer is not a death sentence. Most women diagnosed with early stage breast cancer can look forward to enjoying a healthy, full life.
• Not only are you unique as a person, but so, too, is your particular form of cancer, your treatment options, and your prognosis.
• Every day more is discovered about how to prevent, detect earlier, and more effectively treat breast cancer.
• You are not alone. More than two million women in the United States today are breast cancer survivors. Thousands of groups and programs across the country offer support, and chances are, one is close to your neighborhood.

All the information in this book is based on the most recent research findings, the clinical expertise of oncologists, and the invaluable experiences of the women who have walked this road before. Breast Cancer For Dummies covers all of the following topics and more in simple, easy-to-understand terms:

• Coming to grips with breast cancer
• Decoding your pathology report
• Finding the right treatment for you
• Rekindling intimacy after treatment
• Health Insurance and money woes
• Talking to children about breast cancer

This book can help you feel like you have a sister who's a doctor, a sister who tells you what to expect every step of the way, who gives you the best advice she can, and guides you along the way. (Of course, there is absolutely no replacement for advice about you from your own doctor.) You'll feel empowered to know and understand what's going on in your body, so that you can become a part of your own treatment team and make decisions along with your doctors and your family.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

"This book is readable and provides solid information."
—Jerome W. Yates, MD, National Vice President, Research, American Cancer Society

Covers biopsies, self-exams, and mammograms

Includes inspiring stories from breast cancer survivors

Looking for the straight facts on breast cancer? This easy-to-use guide takes you from diagnosis to prognosis to treatment and recovery. It explains how to reduce your risk and what to expect from chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and surgery. And it also shows how family and friends can help you cope and where you can find other sources of support.

Praise for Breast Cancer For Dummies

"This book contains important information and is presented with both wit and wisdom. A must for women with breast cancer!"
– Patricia Ganz, MD

"This book provides comprehensive coverage that is neither intimidating nor overly simplified."
– Jane Perlmutter, PhD

"Your project is more worthwhile than you know."
– Joanne Strong, breast cancer patient

About the Author

Ronit Elk, PhD, has enhanced funding for research on ways of preventing cancer and improving the quality of life for cancer survivors.

Monica Morrow, MD, is a renowned surgical oncologist and Director of the Lynn Sage Breast Program.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 1 edition (July 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764524828
• ISBN-13: 978-0764524820
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #392,224 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Recommended Highly, April 6, 2006

By 

Poor White Trash - See all my reviews

This review is from: Breast Cancer For Dummies (Paperback)

As a surgeon who does a fair amount of breast surgery, I recommend this book, HIGHLY, to any body (including men) who may have or may be facing breast cancer. The book (which, yes, I have read), is given, by myself, to each and every patient of mine who has breast cancer. It IS, unfortunately, rather technical--but breast cancer isn't easy--and hence, this book. I believe strongly in educating patients as much as possible; my ONLY criticism of the book is lack of good, SIMPLE, photographs and illustrations which, of course, always makes a book easier to read. 4/5 stars because of this. I will continue to purchase the book and give it to my patients. It will answer ALL of their questions--they will just have to dedicate their lives to educating themselves if they want to survive breast cancer.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally a book that is readable in a time of need., February 16, 2005

By 

Tam - See all my reviews

This review is from: Breast Cancer For Dummies (Paperback)

I bought this book for a friend who has cancer. It offers information and support both medically and emotionally for anyone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. It is a gift for its clarity and kindness. An easy read that can help someone begin to be empowered when their world has been turned upside down. Thank you.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Why I think everyone should have this book, March 15, 2009

By 

Donna Stevens (Hesperia, California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Breast Cancer For Dummies (Paperback)

I found a lump in my breast over two years ago. When I had to go to my mother to tell her I had breast cancer she took me to the book store and we bought about 6 or 7 books on breast cancer. When I got them home and starting looking through them, for me this one was the best one. The other ones were very doctor talk and for someone who was just told she has breast cancer is was a lot to take in. But this book was so easy and actually explained to me what to expect next. It made me feel like the doctors were telling me was what they were supposed to be telling me and made it easier to not second guess them. Really for me the book was almost like having a second opinion. Even one of the Mammogram X-rays in the book looked almost like it could have been my X-Ray. I recently went on line and bought a number of these exact same books and sent them to some on line pen pals across the country to promote getting mammograms. I thought if they have the book they may be better prepared to be proactive in breast care and help themselves in the future. I think this book is a wonderful book and for anyone who is going through breast cancer, they should have this book!