Straight Talk about Breast Cancer:
From Diagnosis to Recovery
Sixth Edition
Braddock, Suzanne W., et al. Straight Talk about Breast Cancer from Diagnosis to Recovery.
6th ed. Omaha, NE: Addicus Books, 2019. 180p. ISBN: 9781943886814. $21.95
This breast cancer guidebook should be in every library. It’s a comprehensive overview of breast cancer written in an accessible style and a friendly tone; the authors dedicate it to “To all women with breast cancer and to their families.”
A diagnosis of breast cancer is devastating news for an individual and their loved ones. Fear of what’s to come looms large along with a myriad of questions. This work offers not only much-needed information on seemingly every aspect of this dreaded disease, but also offers solace and understanding. As the authors state in the Preface, “Please read this book imagining that a very good friend is sitting close to you, giving you an introduction to the rest of your life with love and understanding.” Also included throughout the book are “words of wisdom” from patients.
Nine chapters cover an overview of breast cancer, getting a diagnosis, coping emotionally, surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, breast reconstruction, local recurrence of breast cancer, and metastatic breast cancer. Each chapter delves deep into its subject, clearly explaining all that is involved and including both photographs and illustrations. For example, the chapter on breast reconstruction discusses the many options available and includes eight full-page photographs of women illustrating different options.
The book concludes with a four-page list of resources, a fifteen-page glossary of terms, and an index.
This work will be indispensable in any library.
Reviewed by Claire B. Joseph, MS, MA, AHIP
Director, Medical Library, Mount Sinai South Nassau
Oceanside, NY
REVIEW
Consumer Connection
Straight Talk about Breast Cancer: From Diagnosis to Recovery, 4th Ed.
Braddock, Suzanne W., Kercher, Jane M., Edney, John J. & Clark, Melanie Morrissey.
Addicus Books, 2010. 151 p., 8 p. of plates, index. ISBN: 978-1-886039. $19.95.
Breast cancer survivor Suzanne Braddock, was diagnosed with cancer in 1992 and co-wrote the first edition of this book in 1994. Now in its fourth edition, it offers a clear and straight forward overview of breast cancer. Written at about the 9-10th grade level, it is easier to read than most other consumer health books on this subject, however its topics are not covered in as much detail. The authors include three physicians, Braddock, who is a dermatologist, two surgeons, Edney and Kercher, and a writer and editor, Clark.
This book contains eight chapters that provide information about breast cancer, its diagnosis and treatment, including surgery, radiation therapy and systemic therapies, breast reconstruction, and cancer recurrence. A chapter on coping provides suggestions for finding emotional support and addresses the disease’s impact on a woman’s personal relationships. The chapter on breast reconstruction contains eight pages of helpful photographs of women taken after their reconstructive surgeries. The photographs depict various options for breast reconstruction including surgeries using tissue expanders and implants, surgical flaps, bilateral reconstruction, and no reconstruction at all. The book concludes with a list of resources, a large glossary, and an index.
There are a large number of consumer health books about breast cancer, including more comprehensive choices such as The Breast Cancer Survival Manual, Breast Cancer: The Complete Guide, and A Breast Cancer Journey that also provide information about clinical trials and complementary and alternative therapies, which receive minimal attention in this book. Straight Talk about Breast Cancer: From Diagnosis to Recovery is a good choice for someone seeking basic information about breast cancer. It is recommended as an optional purchase for consumer health libraries with larger cancer collections.
Deborah Magnan, Samuel and Sandra Hekemian Medical Library, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, N.J.
REVIEW
Library Journal Review
“. . .covers every aspect of breast cancer…easily digestible…accessible
and up-to-date….recommended for most patient health collections.”—Library Journal
Straight Talk About Breast Cancer
Suzanne Braddock, MD; John Edney, MD
Jane Kercher, MD; Melanie Morrissey Clark
Addicus Books
1-886039-60-7 / $14.95 / trade paper
Health & Medicine
Braddock, a dermatologist by trade and breast cancer survivor by experience, joins with several physician colleagues to update her 1994 book of the same title. The text is divided into eight chapters (e.g., “Getting a Diagnosis,” “Reconstruction,” “Chemo-therapy and Hormone-Blocking Therapy,” and “If Cancer Recurs”) that cover every aspect of the breast cancer process. Each chapter is further broken down into easily digestible paragraphs with subparagraphs, bulleted lists, and appropriate diagrams.
New techniques are covered, such as digital mammography and ductal lavage for diagnostics, as well as Internet searching for information in general. Procedures covered by insurance following the passage of the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 are also new to this volume.
There are currently many books that cover these same issues (Dr. Susan Love’s Breast Book, 3rd ed.), but Straight Talk is accessible and up-to-date; at this price it is recommended for most patient health collections.
Library Journal
September 1, 2002
