Hi, I’m Wendy. Some of you know that I am a cancer survivor. Today I’m sharing seven books for those diagnosed with breast cancer. I have read many of these books from front to back and twice over since being diagnosed over thirteen years ago. These books are great recommendations for someone who has been newly diagnosed, or for those who know someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. This post has been updated for 2022.
My story: I was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer and underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatment. My diagnosis came as a shock considering I was young and a new mom.
I don’t have a family history of the disease and didn’t know one woman who had breast cancer at the time of my diagnosis. I turned to the internet, naturally. Expert tip: don’t do that. There is a lot of terrifying information on the internet and it will keep you up at night.
Affiliate links ahead.
Must-Read Books for Those Newly Diagnosed with Breast Cancer
- Dr. Susan Love’s Breast Book by Susan M. Love, M.D. ($22) – The New York Times called this “The Bible for women with breast cancer.”
This is the sixth edition of Dr. Love’s book and she continues to proved readers with the most current research and information on how to navigate the many types of breast cancer. Included in this edition are the newest advances in treatment and therapies.
Additionally, Dr. Love dedicates a large portion of this guide to metastatic disease. Considered the most advanced stage of breast cancer, 6% of women are first diagnosed at the metastatic stage. In 2020, it was estimated that there are nearly 170,000 women living with advanced breast cancer.
- Anticancer: A New Way of Life by David Servan-Schreiber, M.D. PhD ($14.99) – from the author “Statistics are information, not condemnation.”
Expect a lot of science and data in this book. The newest edition includes research on diet, vitamins, toxins, and eliminating stress. This is a great book for people living with cancer.
Related: Beauty Products for Breast Cancer Patients
Breast Cancer Books as Gifts
- The Silver Lining: A Supportive and Insightful Guide to Breast Cancer by Hollye Jacobs, RN MS MSW ($20.99)
This is a visually stunning book by breast cancer survivor Hollye Jacobs. It’s a memoir and resource book for the newly diagnosed. Looking to gift a friend, aunt, mother after they’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer? This is the book to give to her.
TL;DR Breast Cancer
Days after I was diagnosed I stumbled across a documentary called “The Breast Cancer Diaries” from Ann Murray Page that left me in pieces on my living room floor. She was the first woman I learned of who had been diagnosed in her 30s and I could relate to her journey. pink tips is considered a “CliffsNotes” version of advice for those diagnosed with breast cancer and especially for those who are looking to help a friend who has been diagnosed. Sadly, Ann Murray Page died from metastatic disease a few years ago.
Hope-Filled Memoirs About Cancer
Egan’s book is about her personal journey of leading an incredibly healthy lifestyle but was still diagnosed with the disease. This book is part memoir and guide to health and wellness. What I love and admire so much about this book is the way Egan doesn’t allow herself to be a victim. Throughout the book, she shares how to deal with doctors, healthy eating advice and more.
- The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan ($10.79)
This is a glorious, feisty memoir from one of my favorite authors. She describes “the middle place” as being “that sliver of time when childhood and parenthood overlap.” After being diagnosed with breast cancer, she learns her father has been diagnosed with cancer at the same time. It’s a sobering reminder that life continues to happen around us when we’re going through our own things.
Spirituality and Prayer
This books was specifically written for women going through any type of cancer treatment. Includes daily scripture and prayer, inspirational stories, tips to connect with God, and prayer references for encouragement.
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