B is for Breast Cancer

As a surgeon and Chairman of Cancer Focus Northern Ireland, I see women every day who are living with the impact of breast cancer. B is for Breast Cancer is a refreshing look at breast cancer from the woman's perspective. It is insightful, warm, moving and, in places, very funny. Other women will find this helpful and those of us who work in cancer services, or aspire to do so, should take a little time, put away the text book and try to walk in the shoes of the most important person of all - those living with the disease. It will help us all do what we do just a little better Professor Roy Spence, Cancer Focus Northern Ireland We know at Maggie's that when you are first diagnosed with cancer it can be a confusing and overwhelming time. There is so much information to take in, on everything from differing types of treatment and benefits to what's best to eat. That's why B is for Breast Cancer is such an important book. It breaks down all the questions you may have into clear and concise answers that are easy to read and not in the least bit intimidating. We will certainly make sure there are copies of the book in all our centres Laura Lee, Chief Executive, Maggie's Cancer Caring Centres This is an alternative and informative guide to negotiating some of the challenges of being faced with breast cancer: an honest, humorous and ultimately hopeful insight into diagnosis, treatment and recovery Dr Ruth Barr, Belfast Patients living with and beyond cancer should find this book both useful and inspirational in that it addresses the many aspects of cancer which are not normally discussed in public or indeed in clinical practice. Christine has made sense of her feelings and reactions to her diagnosis and, with some degree of humour, written a very personal account. The book will also serve as a resource for staff working in clinical practice. I will be recommending it to my students in the hope that it will enhance their understanding of the cancer patient experience Marie Glackin, Lecturer (Education - Cancer Nursing), School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen's University, Belfast What a refreshingly honest read! In this very personal and vivid account of her cancer journey, I could identify with many aspects of my own experience. As well as humour, and some really useful observations on how to deal with things, there is anger, guilt and bags of fear and uncertainty. How I identified with the "howl-crying"! Christine reassures us that all this is normal and it is all right to talk about it, shout about it and cry about it. Above all she encourages us to get informed, seek support, ask the questions and not to accept platitudes. By writing in such a direct and honest fashion, Christine has paved the way for all those who are experiencing the trauma of diagnosis, treatment and beyond, to tell it how it really is and to come out the other side Linda Shepherd, President, Cancer Support France (National) An exceptional and personal account ... which undoubtedly will bring comfort and reassurance to others who have just been diagnosed Ulster Tatler A book unlike anything else written on the subject Belfast Telegraph [It] mixes practical suggestions with an honest account of what she went through. It's funny, sad, optimistic - and very readable Take a Break Full of common sense and advice gleaned from her experience during diagnosis, treatment and recovery, it's humerous and honest Irish News