Best breast cancer books and podcasts
Our August book and podcast recommendations offer insights into the experience of living with cancer, shared through compelling stories. With a diverse range of genres, there is something for everyone. These selections provide comfort, understanding, and inspiration for anyone affected by a breast cancer diagnosis.
Check out these titles at your local library, or bookstore, or on the Libby app for a chance to read them for free. If you prefer listening to podcasts, we’ve linked them directly below.
Books
Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End by Atul Gawande
Through the personal stories of his patients and family, surgeon Atul Gawande examines the limitations of modern medicine and how it impacts quality of life. Gawande combines his medical insights to advocate for more honest patient-doctor conversations, emphasizing the importance of patient autonomy.
Cancer Vixen by Marisa Marchetto
Cancer Vixen by Marisa Marchetto is a vibrant and candid graphic story that takes the reader through the author’s battle with breast cancer. Through colorful illustrations and a sense of humor, Marchetto shares her journey from diagnosis to recovery, highlighting the emotional and physical challenges she faced.
The Bright Hour by Nina Riggs
In this moving memoir, poet Nina Riggs draws literary inspiration from her direct ancestor, Ralph Waldo Emerson to reflect on the beauty of everyday moments. She captures the complex emotions of facing a breast cancer diagnosis and what it means to embrace the present.
Podcasts
Understanding Cancer | Dana-Farber Cancer Institute: Managing Side Effects Through Nutrition
Nausea and loss of appetite can be a common side effect of cancer treatment. Although medication can address these symptoms, Dana-Farber nutrition specialist Stacy Kennedy, MPH, RD, CSO, shares how dietary adjustments can help you manage treatment side effects. Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts for her tips.
Baddie 2 Baddie Breast Cancer Podcast: Strategies for Coping with Cancer
In this candid episode, host Tesha is joined by guests Jeanelle and Megan-Claire to discuss the importance of mental health while navigating a breast cancer diagnosis. Tune into their reflections on coping strategies, finding a therapist, and the value of community on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Investigating Breast Cancer: Improving Breast Cancer Radiation Treatments with Dr. Rachel Jimenez
Assistant professor of radiation oncology at Harvard Medical School Dr. Rachel Jiminez reviews an improved strategy for delivering radiation. Unlike traditional radiation, proton therapy radiation can target cancer cells specifically and minimize heart damage. Learn more about proton therapy radiation by listening to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Have you found the words of a particular author or storyteller helpful? Let us know if there’s a book you’d like to see highlighted during the upcoming months of our Book Club.
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