The Best Books for Cancer Patients to Read
During challenging times books can offer practical advice, perspective, and empathy. Whether they’ve faced their own cancer diagnosis and wanted to share the experience, were coping after the diagnosis of a loved one, or simply wanted to better understand the disease and to help, many people have written books about cancer to offer support and guidance to both patients and cancer survivors. In this article we review some well-known, useful and inspiring examples.
1. Finding the “CAN” in Cancer
Written by four cancer survivors, “Finding the ‘CAN’ in Cancer” is a handbook designed to help guide patients, family, and friends through the cancer experience. The book mixes practical tips with the authors’ personal memories and experiences.
2. When Breath Becomes Air
“When Breath Becomes Air” was posthumously published in 2016. The book’s author, Paul Kalanithi, was nearing the end of almost 10 years’ worth of training to be a neurosurgeon when he was diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer. His life changed as he went from being a doctor who helped people live to a patient himself.
3. Promise Me, Dad
U.S. President Joe Biden has seen his share of personal tragedy, from the loss of his wife and infant daughter in a car accident in the 1970s to his son Beau’s cancer diagnosis. Beau Biden was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in 2013. During the family’s annual Thanksgiving dinner a year later, Beau said to his father, “Promise me, Dad, give me your word that no matter what happens, you’re going to be all right.”
4. The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself
Many cancer patients find themselves questioning why they were the ones to be diagnosed with cancer. A diagnosis can disrupt your inner peace, leaving you questioning your validity. “The Untethered Soul” guides people into their inner space, helping to change their relationships with the world around them and with themselves. The book aims to expand people’s consciousness by illuminating the emotions and thoughts that tend to stand in people’s way. It’s a guide to self-realization and happiness.
5. What to Eat if You Have Cancer
What you eat can have a major impact on the effectiveness of your cancer treatments and on how you feel in general. “What to Eat if You Have Cancer” is an entrant into nutrition books for cancer patients. The guide recommends foods to eat while undergoing treatment and afterward. The recommended foods can help reduce the side effects associated with many cancer treatments while providing your body with the nutrition it needs to thrive.
6. I’m Sorry You Have to Be Here
Wife and mother Lois Bhatt was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer at age 39. I’m Sorry You Have To Be Here is her personal story. Chronicling misdiagnoses, surgeries, and treatments, the book sheds light on the anxiety, fears, and inner turmoil that can affect a woman who is both fighting cancer and parenting small children.
Cancer Survival Toolbox®
The program contains a set of basic skills and special topics. Each scenario is inspired by true stories of real cancer patients. The Cancer Survival Toolbox is for people at any point in their care. It is used by patients, health care professionals, and by individuals or in support group settings.
The award-winning Cancer Survival Toolbox is a free audio program. It was created by leading cancer organizations to help people develop skills to better meet and understand the challenges of their illness.
Produced through a unique collaboration between the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS), the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), the Association of Oncology Social Workers (AOSW), and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), with a grant from Genentech, Inc., the Toolbox encourages people with cancer and their caregivers to take a more active role in their care.
To know more visit: https://canceradvocacy.org/