Breast Cancer Facts, Myths, and Controversies: Understanding Current Screenings and Treatments

by Madelon L. Finkel

Overview

This book, written for the layperson, provides evidence-based material explaining the complex and evolving evidence of the benefits and limitations of breast cancer screening and the advances in breast cancer treatment.

A diagnosis of breast cancer is one of the most emotionally charged statements a woman can hear from her doctor. Understanding the rapid changes in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment is challenging, especially for those without a medical background. This book will help explain the strengths and weaknesses of breast cancer screening, breast cancer treatment, and ways of coping with the disease (for oneself or a loved one).

Written for the layperson, this text explains the history of disease prevention with a specific emphasis on breast cancer detection and treatment. The main chapters weigh the pros and cons of well-known but often mystifying screening tests, such as mammograms; discuss the benefits and side effects of targeted hormone therapies; consider holistic regimens that complement traditional medicine; and explore the mental, physical, and emotional strain caused by breast cancer. Concluding with the current breast cancer screening guidelines recommended by leading organizations in disease prevention, Breast Cancer Facts, Myths, and Controversies not only engages with the history of breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment, it looks ahead to a brighter future for survivors.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781440875137
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	07/19/2021
Pages:	264
Product dimensions:	6.45(w) x 9.50(h) x 0.85(d)

About the Author

Madelon L. Finkel, PhD, is professor of population health sciences and director of the Office of Global Health Education at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City.

Table of Contents

Preface
Acknowledgments
1. The Female Breast: Its Image and Function through the Ages
2. Who Is at Risk for Breast Cancer?
3. Screening for Disease: The Pros and Cons
4. Screening for Cancer: The Pros and Cons
5. Advances in Breast Cancer Detection: What Are the Options?
6. Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines
7. To Screen or Not to Screen: Changing Advice on Mammography Screening
8. Breast Cancer Treatment Options: Which Treatments Are the "Best"?
9. Treating Breast Cancer in the 21st Century: Is Precision Targeted Cancer Therapy the Wave of the Future?
10. Complementary, Alternative, and Integrated Medicine
11. Coping with Breast Cancer
12. Physicians and Patients Need to Communicate with Each Other
13. You Are Not Alone: Support Groups and Online Forums for Cancer Patients
Appendix: Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines for Women
Glossary
Notes
Index

What People are Saying About This

Eloise May O'Donnell

"Ambitious and engaging—Professor Finkel provides an exceptional overview of the complexities of breast cancer. Finkel's personal experience is elegantly woven throughout and provides critical insight, from screening to treatment. An essential text for anyone looking to better understand the field."

Eloise May O’Donnell

"Ambitious and engaging—Professor Finkel provides an exceptional overview of the complexities of breast cancer. Finkel’s personal experience is elegantly woven throughout and provides critical insight, from screening to treatment. An essential text for anyone looking to better understand the field."

Lyndal Trevena

"This book is an excellent guide for anyone interested in breast cancer screening. Whether you are a patient, a relative, a teacher, a student, or a health professional, it provides evidence-informed explanations on a complex and important topic. One of the few books on this topic written by a public health expert for the general public. I thoroughly recommend it."

David P. Weller

"Contemporary debates in mammography incorporate societal, public health, and ethical perspectives. With this authoritative guide Dr. Finkel navigates this complex landscape, advocating an ongoing search for new approaches, better-informed decision making and improved breast screening outcomes for women, whose investment in time, effort, and faith must always be paramount."

Elena B. Elkin

"In a climate of evolving scientific knowledge and shifting guidelines, Dr. Finkel provides a clear summary and a balanced discussion of the benefits and harms of screening mammography. This book is an indispensable resource for anyone who wants to understand the facts behind the rhetoric and make informed decisions about breast cancer screening."

Dr. Rulla Tamimi

"Dr. Finkel's book comes at such an important time when there is a lot of information and misinformation related to breast cancer. This scientifically based book helps to clarify the complexities of breast cancer screening for the layperson. It also provides helpful information for patients about treatment options, support groups, and strategies to cope and thrive with breast cancer."