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Helping Your Mate Face Breast Cancer: Tips For Becoming An Effective Support Partner

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Cecelia Gray MSS, MLSP, LSW, ACSW
Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania
Last Modified: November 1, 2001

Author: Judy C. Kneece, RN, OCN, Breast Health Specialist Publisher: Educare Publishing ISBN: 188665-11-7 OncoLink Rating:

This book was written based on the experiences of the author working with women diagnosed with breast cancer and their families. There is a general discussion of the growth of cancer cells in the breast, surgical options that are available, and a chapter regarding pathology reports. The author has taken a difficult topic and presents it to the reader in an organized non-threatening fashion. The chapters are short in length, which makes for easy reading. There is a glossary and resource list in the back of the book, which can be helpful to the reader.

As stated by the author, "this book is not designed as a comprehensive manual on coping" although it is an introduction to understanding breast cancer and the issues women face. Examples and comments throughout the book are based on expressed comments from married couples. This may make it difficult for those individuals in alternative living situations to apply some of the suggestions. Professionals who provide counseling and lead support groups for the spouse of a breast cancer patient may find this a helpful tool. The author recommends working closely with your health care team. This book is recommended for those who are coping with the difficult issues of supporting a person with breast cancer.