October = Breast Cancer Awareness

One Month Can Make a Difference

Many of us have had the devastating experience of losing someone we love to cancer. Among women, breast cancer is especially common. One in eight American women—that's approximately 12 percent—will receive this diagnosis in their lifetime. The good news is that we are learning more and more about prevention and treatment of the disease.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month was founded in 1985 with the goal of promoting mammography for early detection. And it seems to be working! Statistics indicate that the rate of death from breast cancer has been on the decline since about 1989. But there's more to consider than scheduling your annual mammogram.

In Breasts: The Owner's Manual, Dr. Kristi Funk shares solid guidelines about how to improve your breast health, lower your risks, and optimize outcomes if faced with a diagnosis. Good Morning America's Robin Roberts, herself a breast cancer survivor, says the book "not only provides a clear path to breast health, but a road that leads straight to your healthiest self." Dr. Christine Horner wrote Waking the Warrior Goddess in response to her own mother's breast cancer death. Combining Western and Eastern philosophies, she provides guidance for holistic preventative care.

For those grappling with a diagnosis, Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book is considered by many to be the "bible" of breast cancer treatment. It has also become a guide for women who are genetically at risk or wanting to learn more about the impacts of their cancer treatment.

Powerful Stories of Resilience

Whether you are processing your own scare with breast cancer or working to support a friend in need, reading the story of someone who has been in a similar situation can be helpful. When journalist and author Joan Lunden was diagnosed with an aggressive form of the disease she came out swinging, bringing her well-honed investigative skills to her treatment and recovery. Her resulting memoir, Had I Known, shares what she learned and how the experience changed her.

In Flat: Reclaiming My Body From Breast Cancer, Catherine Guthrie shares a different perspective. As a young, queer woman battling through two harrowing bouts of breast cancer, she brings a strong feminist outlook to her experiences. And then there's Cancer Vixen, a powerful, funny, and poignant graphic memoir by Marisa Acocella Marchetto. The Los Angeles Times calls it a "triumph of imagination and spirit."

Men Get it Too

Though far less common (fewer than 1 percent of cases), it's important to remember that men can also get breast cancer. Saving Jack provides a first-person account of author Jack Willis's experience of the illness. With a focus on family and faith, this book offers a much-needed perspective for men who find themselves in this situation. For a concise informational resource on the male diagnosis and treatment, try Male Breast Cancer by Augustine Samuels.

Helping Kids (Of All Ages) Cope

For a parent facing a life-threatening disease, it can be hard to manage our own fear, much less offer reassurance to kids. This is where the beauty of children's literature comes in. As we all know, stories are a great way to talk to little ones about tough issues. But really, that goes for all of us, doesn't it? These books will help both parents and kids find the words to process some of their feelings.

Nowhere Hair by Sue Glader helps young children (ages 3 and up) understand some of the effects of cancer treatment, like hair loss. Most importantly, the whimsical picture book offers assurance that cancer is no one's fault and that it won't affect the love between them and their parents.

For older kids (ages 9 and up), the bestselling Ida B. by Katherine Hannigan tells the story of a little girl whose life is upended when her mother gets sick. This character's complex mix of feelings may help kids understand and accept their own difficult emotions around the illness of their parent.

For teenagers, the straightforward When Your Parent Has Cancer will appeal to their need for honest communication. Offering clear information about what they can expect and tangible suggestions on how to deal with their feelings, this book serves as an invaluable guide.

Raising Awareness

Chances are, we all know someone who has been affected by breast cancer. That's why Breast Cancer Awareness Month is so important! We hope these books offer helpful perspectives and information about the prevention, treatment, and experience of this disease.

Please let us know if you have any great resources to add to our list!

Read more by Ashly Moore Sheldon