Contents
Preface
Part 1: Cancer Basics
Chapter 1: When Cancer Strikes
Chapter 2: Understanding Cancer
What Is Cancer?
How Does Cancer Occur?
Causes
Advancing Our Knowledge of Cancer
Visual Guide
Part 2: Breast Cancer
Chapter 3: An Overview
Your Breasts
Breast Cancer
What Causes Breast Cancer?
How Common Is Breast Cancer?
Advancing Science
Chapter 4: Making Sense of Risk Statistics
What Is Risk and How Is It Measured?
Quantifying Risk
Risk Factors
Chapter 5: Hereditary Breast Cancer
Is it Hereditary?
Inheriting a Genetic Mutation
Genetic Counseling and Testing
Making a Decision
Chapter 6: Preventing Breast Cancer
Lifestyle Factors
Women at High Risk
Future Directions
Chapter 7: The Latest on Screening
Ongoing Controversies
Screening Recommendations
Breast Self-Awareness
Clinical Breast Examination
Mammography
New Approaches
Chapter 8: Diagnosing Breast Cancer
Signs and Symptoms
Medical History
Physical Examination
Imaging Tests
Biopsy Procedures
Pathology Report
Staging
Chapter 9: Precancerous Conditions
Atypical Hyperplasia
Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS)
Your Options
Chapter 10: Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)
Diagnosis
Key Factors
Treatment Options
Making the Decision
Chapter 11: Treating Invasive Breast Cancer
Treatment Options
Surgery
Radiation Therapy
Decision Guide: Lumpectomy vs. Mastectomy
Additional Treatment
Therapy Options
Decision Guide: Adjuvant Systemic Therapy
Clinical Trials
Chapter 12: Breast Reconstruction
Immediate vs. Delayed
Types
Issues to Consider
Chapter 13: Special Situations
Locally Advanced Breast Cancer
Women at High Risk of a Second Cancer
Bilateral Breast Cancer
Unknown Primary Cancers
Metaplastic Breast Cancer
Lymphomas and Sarcomas
Paget’s Disease
Breast Cancer and Pregnancy
Breast Cancer in Men
Chapter 14: Follow-up and Surveillance
Understanding Recurrent Cancer
Follow-up Care
Dealing With Uncertainty
Chapter 15: If the Cancer Comes Back
Types of Recurrence
How Cancer Cells Spread
Local Recurrence
Regional Recurrence
Metastatic Recurrence
Chapter 16: Treating Advanced Breast Cancer
Determining Prognosis
Treatment Options
Monitoring Treatment
Localized Treatments
When Treatment Stops Working
Chapter 17: Ovarian Cancer: What You Should Know
Your Ovaries
What Is Ovarian Cancer?
How Common Is It?
Risk Factors
Preventing Ovarian Cancer
Screening Methods
Early Warning Signs
Spread of Ovarian Cancer
Diagnosis and Treatment
Chapter 18: Uterine Cancer: What You Should Know
The Uterus
Uterine Cancer Basics
Risk Factors
Can It Be Prevented?
Warning Signs
Diagnosing Uterine Cancer
Determining the Extent of the Cancer
Treatment Options
Part 3: Life After a Cancer Diagnosis
Chapter 19: Feelings and Emotions
Making the Journey
Tips for the Trip
Communicating With Family
Communicating With Children
Communicating With Friends
Chapter 20: Treatment Side Effects
Fatigue
Nausea and Appetite Problems
Hair Loss
Decreased Arm and Shoulder Mobility
Lymphedema
Sudden Menopause
Sexual Changes
Osteoporosis
Neuropathy
Joint Aches and Pains
Weight Gain
Cognitive Changes
Chapter 21: Complementary Therapies
Getting the Most of Complementary Therapies
Types of Therapies
Finding Reliable Information
Chapter 22: Survivorship
Moving Forward
Taking Care of Your Health
Support Groups
Public Events
Chapter 23: Making the Transition to Supportive Care
Accepting Your Situation
Maintaining Hope
When You and Your Family Disagree
Managing Signs and Symptoms
Hospice Care
Chapter 24: For Partners
Dealing With Your Loved One’s Diagnosis
How You Can Help
Talking to Each Other
Maintaining Sexual Intimacy
Caring for Yourself
Dealing With Incurable Cancer
Resources
A Time of Growth
Additional Resources
Glossary
Index