October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, supporting those affected, and advancing breast cancer research and treatment. For this month’s highlighted books and podcasts, we’ve carefully selected recommendations that provide an honest look into the complex experience and emotions of a diagnosis. These selections offer comfort, educational insights, and community to anyone who’s been affected by breast cancer.
Find 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
- The Cancer Journals by Audre Lorde
The Cancer Journals is a powerful and transformative memoir that follows Audre Lorde’s experience with breast cancer as a patient and a survivor. As a “Black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet,“ Lorde challenges societal expectations of beauty and femininity, inspiring readers to embrace their bodies and identities with pride, even in the face of illness.
- Talk Before Sleep by Elizabeth Berg
Talk Before Sleep is a novel that intricately captures the close friendship between two women with contrasting personalities: Ann and Ruth. When one friend is diagnosed with breast cancer, the other steps up to support her without question. The book is a beautiful tribute to the unconditional love friendships provide and is an uplifting option if you’re looking for a fiction book.
- Let Me Get This Off My Chest by Margaret Lesh
Margaret Lesh’s memoir is a collection of essays, anecdotes, and life lessons as a two-time breast cancer survivor. She candidly reflects on treatment side effects, the emotional rollercoaster of a diagnosis, and the ups and downs of survivorship. Her first-hand account of her experience is deeply relatable to anyone who’s been affected by breast cancer.
Podcasts
- Amy & T.J. | Breast Cancer and Beyond
In this episode of Amy & T.J., news anchor Amy Robach reflects on when an on-air mammogram uncovered a breast cancer diagnosis 11 years ago. She is joined by actress and producer Nicole Eggert as the two discuss their diagnoses and share the importance of finding hope through life’s darkest moments.
Listen to the episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
- The Breast Cancer Podcast | Fertility and Breast Cancer
Dr. Shabana Dewani provides an in-depth breakdown of important factors to consider when deciding on treatment and the different options available for preserving fertility. Listen to this episode for tips and answers to frequently asked questions surrounding fertility and breast cancer.
Listen to the episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
- Baddie 2 Baddie Breast Cancer Podcast | Treatment Talk – Decoding Options and Making Informed Decisions
In this episode, host Tesha is joined by Raenel, a survivor of triple negative stage 2B breast cancer, to discuss the importance of choosing the right support community and treatment plan. They explore coping strategies such as faith, music, and exercise, and emphasize the value of finding a healthcare team that aligns with your needs.
Listen 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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