When Laura Jensen Walker was diagnosed with breast cancer on her first wedding anniversary, she found humor to be healing in the midst of terrifying circumstances. In this energetic and hope-filled book, she draws on her faith and her sense of humor to encourage others going through the same thing. From discovering that "bald is beautiful" to navigating the world of saline breast implants, Walker recounts the highs and lows of coping with cancer. Infused with strength and dignity, this classic book has now been revised and updated for a new generation, showing women confronting the disease--and those who love them--that faith, hope, and a healthy dose of laughter can make all the difference.
'This book gives plenty of examples of ad hominem attacks, intimidation, slander, threats of litigation, deception, dishonesty, lies and other violations of good scientific practice. For some years I kept a folder labeled Dishonesty in breast cancer screening on top of my filing cabinet, storing articles and letters to the editor that contained statements I knew were dishonest. Eventually I gave up on the idea of writing a paper about this collection, as the number of examples quickly exceeded what could be contained in a single article.' From the Introduction The most effective way to decrease women's risk of becoming a breast cancer patient is to avoid attending screening. Mammography screening is one of the greatest controversies in healthcare, and the extent to which some scientists have sacrificed sound scientific principles in order to arrive at politically acceptable results in their research is extraordinary. In contrast, neutral observers increasingly find that the benefit has been much oversold and that the harms are much greater than previously believed. This groundbreaking book takes an evidence-based, critical look at the scientific disputes and the information provided to women by governments and cancer charities. It also explains why mammography screening is unlikely to be effective today. All health professionals and members of the public will find these revelations disturbingly illuminating. It will radically transform the way healthcare policy makers view mammography screening in the future. 'If Peter Gotzsche did not exist, there would be a need to invent him ...It may still take time for the limitations and harms of screening to be properly acknowledged and for women to be enabled to make adequately informed decisions. When this happens, it will be almost entirely due to the intellectual rigour and determination of Peter Gotzsche.' From the Foreword by Iona Heath, President, RCGP 'If you care about breast cancer, and we all should, you must read this book. Breast cancer is complex and we cannot afford to rely on the popular media, or on information from marketing campaigns from those who are invested in screening. We need to question and to understand. The story that Peter tells matters very much.' From the Foreword by Fran Visco, President, National Breast Cancer Coalition.
Is this your baseline or first mammogram? Are you getting a screening or diagnostic mammogram? Do you know someone with breast cancer or are you a breast cancer survivor? This book is a collection of mammogram patients' writings and poems. You will relate to their fears and their faith, appreciate the humor, revealing their strengths, as they lead you through the mammogram experience. A variety of subjects relevant to any mammogram patient are covered within these pages along with ideas on getting involved with worthy organizations and/or helping breast cancer patients. The message is clear: Get your mammogram for early detection of breast cancer. Also included is an informational glossary and a helpful description of how to get the most out of your mammogram from beginning to end. You will laugh, you may cry, but you definitely will leave uplifted and hopeful.
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in women and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in American women. Although cardiovascular-related deaths significantly outnumber breast cancer deaths, breast cancer is arguably the most feared diagnosis among American women. Great strides have been made to heighten public awareness of breast cancer, with particular emphasis on early detection with mammography. Breast radiologists regularly witness the extreme anxiety that just the thought of being diagnosed with breast cancer can cause a patient. This anxious anticipation is often heightened by a lack of knowledge about what to expect from the process of breast imaging evaluation, which is frustrating for both patient and practitioner and can negatively affect the experience. Physicians often encounter patients who have little or no understanding of the reasoning behind the examination or procedure about to be performed-sometimes even up to the day of their breast cancer surgery. Furthermore, most women who undergo breast evaluations will not be diagnosed with cancer. The incidence of breast cancer is only 125.3 per 100,000 women (or 3-6 in every 1,000 screenings), however, symptoms of benign breast abnormalities are quite common and impact many more lives. Accurately diagnosing these non-cancerous conditions can alleviate much anxiety, in addition to helping patients towards a correct treatment plan. The Breast Test Book is a straightforward guide to the process of radiologic breast evaluations. Based on the most current scientific research and best standards of clinical practice, it will help debunk myths, shed light on misinformation, and provide clear facts about what women should expect from these screenings. This improved understanding will ultimately allow patients to play more active roles in their own care and, in the event that a diagnosis is made, give them confidence in their treatment.
There are plenty of survival stories out there relating to breast cancer, and they are inspiring and gratefully appreciated. However, there are very few books explaining what the average woman can expect from the mammogram experience. Having plenty of familiarity with both sides of the mammogram machine, as a patient and mammography technologist, Elizabeth Fitzgerald shares her journey and provides a play-by-play explanation of a yearly process that is highly recommended, yet often unclear. She also explains how to find a breast care facility that best caters to your needs and sheds light on 3D Mammography and ABUS Ultrasound Screening, two of the more recent tools in the growing arsenal of diagnostic mammography. Get a Better Mammogram is a smart woman’s guide to getting a more informed, more comfortable mammogram experience. This is the mammographic equivalent of What to Expect When You’re Expecting, told with all the warmth of your favorite sister ... who just happens to do mammograms for a living.
The use of tomosynthesis in breast imaging is growing rapidly due to its superior ability to identify and characterize normal findings, benign lesions, and breast cancer, as well as its optimal performance with dense breast tissue. Providing unparalleled coverage of this breakthrough breast imaging modality, Breast Tomosynthesis explains how this new modality can lead to enhanced interpretation and better patient outcomes. This new reference is an indispensable guide for today's practitioner looking to keep abreast of the latest developments with correlative findings, practical interpretation tips, physics, and information on how tomosynthesis differs from conventional 2D FFDM mammography. Over 900 high-quality images offer visual guidance to effectively reading and interpreting this key imaging modality. Includes over 900 high-quality tomosynthesis and mammography images representing the spectrum of breast imaging. Features the latest Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (or BI-RADS) standards updated in February 2014. Highlights practical tips to interpreting this new modality and how it differs from 2D mammography. Details how integration of tomosynthesis drastically changes lesion work-up and overall workflow in the department. "Tomo Tips" boxes offer tips and pitfalls for expert clinical guidance.
