Consumer guide to breast cancer | |
All about breast cancer. Fredrick O Stephens. Melbourne: Oxford University Press, 2001 (xvi + 152 pp). ISBN 0 19 551396 7. |
Raelene Boyle notes
in the foreword that this book provides “a unique approach of combining the personal and the scientific in every day terms”. It certainly provides a comprehensive overview of many breast cancer topics, emphasising a hopeful and positive approach to prevention and medical treatment. Whether the book is “unique” is questionable.
All about breast cancer tackles many issues, some with more success than others. The book’s explanations about what cancer is, causes and medical treatments available are concise and clear. However, the section about breast reconstruction fails to point out that many women will not have access to reconstruction. Also, an inaccurate assumption is made about the breast being of greater importance to younger women, a claim not supported by recent Australian evidence. Several issues particularly concerned me about this book. It pays little attention to the psychosocial aspects of breast cancer and to the extensive evidence base now available that demonstrates the benefits of support for women diagnosed with the disease. The importance of the consumer’s place in the discussion about the disease is not reflected in the book. The author also fails recognise that the use of the term “patient” may alienate consumers, the target audience. The book misses the opportunity to provide a distinctly Australian perspective. It could have included thoughts about the difficulties many women from rural and remote areas have when travelling to receive treatment in urban hospitals, or the challenges of our dual healthcare system. It does not substantially differ from the free resources already available for women, and the title is easy to confuse with the free All about early breast cancer booklet. Cost is also an issue, particularly when a publication such as Dr Susan Love’s Breast book covers a broader range of topics. While not as unique as it is claimed, All about breast cancer does offer interesting reading for those willing to buy it. Nicole Rankin
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