by Gloria S. Akande

Created on: December 09, 2009

Dr. Susan Love’s Breast Book which has been herald by the New York Times as the bible for women with breast cancer is an over 500 treatise on breast. The main author of the book is a surgeon, a teacher and a researcher with a foundation to eradicate breast cancer, the Susan Love Research Foundation (http://www.drsusanloveresearchfoundation.org). The book is divided into seven parts with different discussion topics on breast. Part one discusses the healthy breast, its anatomy and development and variations which may be part of normal development or may require plastic surgery. It also discusses the effect the ovary has upon breast development, breast feeding and breast during menopause. Part two covers common problems of the breast like breast pain, lump or bumps, fibrocystic disease, infections and breast nipple problems. The diagnosis of breast problems is featured in part three. The diagnostic imaging studies of mammography, ultrasonography, MRI, MIBI scan, CT scan and thermography are discussed with limitations of the exams. The technique of fine needle aspiration and core biopsy and wire localization of a breast mass are also discussed along with the breast biopsy procedure and how to read the biopsy report.

Factors that increase relative risk of breast cancer, genetic and non-genetic, breast cancer prevention, by diet, exercise and preventing estrogen production are discussed in part four. Precancerous conditions of the breast also discussed and methods to detect these conditions. Screening tests and recommendations are also discussed. Part five has limited information on breast cancer types and special subtypes of breast cancer and populations with breast cancer, the interpretation of pathology reports, breast cancer prognostic markers, clinical trials, studies and research, breast cancer survival, types of breast cancer surgical and radiation treatments and National Comprehensive Cancer Network treatment guidelines, basic chemotherapy options and hormonal therapies and targeted therapy. Fears and ways of coping with breast cancer are also discussed. Part six focuses on breast cancer surgical treatment, reconstruction and prosthesis and making the decision to have reconstruction, the types of radiation treatments, systemic and adjuvant chemotherapy and their side effects and complementary and alternative treatments.

The final part of the book covers living with breast cancer and the side effects of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. It considers the aspects of healing of the body and the mind and spirit and what can be done when cancer reoccurs. The author’s compassion for breast cancer patients comes across when reading this book. This is a highly reliable guide to breast cancer treatment.

Learn more about this author, Gloria S. Akande.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.