Breast Cancer Awareness at the Port Jefferson Free Library

Breast cancer is with us. Everyone knows a friend, a friend of friend. a colleague who has dealt with this disease. To honor those women (and men) here is a list of books to help with various aspects of health and breast cancer.

Healthy habits as well as yearly mammograms for women over 40 have been shown to reduce risk and make early detection possible. Mary Flynn’s book The Pink Ribbon Diet provides a detailed diet plan both to help women interested in prevention and to help patients who have been diagnosed reduce their risk of recurrence. In a study sponsored by the Susan B. Komen for the Cure Foundation, research dietitian and Assistant Professor at Brown University Medical School, Flynn discovered that a “Mediterranean Diet” with its emphasis on olive oil and vegetables was found to be more beneficial than a traditional low fat diet. 150 recipes are included to get and keep patients healthy!

Written by the founder of the National Breast Cancer Coalition, Dr. Susan’s Love’s Breast Book covers breast health in general and then focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. The book is currently in its 5th edition, a clear sign that it is an important volume. It is a truly an essential read for any patient!

Another excellent general text is the Mayo Clinic Breast Cancer Book. Written by medical professionals (oncologist as well as professors),the book provides readers with a basic understanding of cancer, preventive measures, screening, biopsy methods, coping with a diagnosis, treatment options, life after cancer, and other topics. The language while technical, is accessible.

For those who have been diagnosed and have undergone treatment the spectre of recurrence continues to hang around. This book Living Well Beyond Breast Cancer attempts to address those concerns. Written by the founder of Breastcancer.org, Marissa Weiss this book focuses on the issues in a clear straightforward format making them accessible for all.

Being diagnosed can make someone feel like they are alone on a perilous journey. These  authors have been there, done that, and keep on fighting. They tell their stories in their own words:

The Red Devil: To Hell With Cancer - and Back by Katherine Rich

Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy by Geralyn Lucas

Lopsided: How Having Breast Cancer Can Be Really Distracting by Meredith Norton

Just a reminder: We do home care too! if you are undergoing treatment or homebound for any reason on a temporary or permanent basis, please call us at 473-0022 (ask for Reference)  to find out about having your books and other materials delivered. They will be picked up when you are ready to return them. The Port Jefferson Free Library is here for you!