Not every face of breast cancer has laugh lines and graying hair...
After hearing of a 27-year-old friend's diagnosis, 32-year-old Leibson-Hawkins became obsessed with the lack of information on breast cancer in young women. She pursued sources on the Internet and found 16 survivors who would speak to the everyday concerns cancer presents: lack of control, work and career, sexuality and dating, family and children, and spirituality.
Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
According to the National Cancer Institute, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality in women under age 35. And though there are many medical text available on choosing a doctor, understanding diagnosis and selecting treatments, Leibson-Hawkins's book focuses on "issues of day-to-day life—things like how to tell children, friends, and coworkers about the disease; how to manage a job while undergoing chemotherapy; how to get back into a physical fitness routine after surgery; and how to breastfeed after cancer.
The author, a freelance health writer and editor, addresses these issues and others largely through testimonies from breast cancer survivors. So while there is no general, bullet-point advice for dealing with common problems (e.g. feeling unattractive after losing one's hair to chemo), there are plenty of stories from women (told through Leibson-Hawkins, in the third person) that should comfort women confronting similar experiences.
Published October 6, 2004.
Beth Hawkins supplies intimate and detailed anecdotes from 16 real women under the age of 40 who encountered breast cancer at what was supposed to be their prime.
Executive Director, Young Survival Coalition
“Beth Leibson-Hawkins's book perfectly personifies a young woman's experience with breast cancer from the disbelief, fear, and isolation she feels to the realization that her life is more fulfilled than ever before. Because young women affected by breast cancer now have a voice, the landscape of breast cancer has changed forever, and Beth beautifully captures this in her book with each story told. I'm Too Young To Have Breast Cancer! is a tremendous addition to the resources now out there for young women affected by breast cancer. Finally, they have a place to turn.”
Education Director, Living Beyond Breast Cancer
“Beth Leibson-Hawkins provides a bold and insightful view of the diverse and complex challenges faced by young women affected by breast cancer. Through vivid portrayals of some very spirited and courageous women, this book can help recently diagnosed women regain hope, restore pleasure and meaning, and take control of their lives.”
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, New York, NY
“This is the first book I have encountered that explores much of the psychosocial experiences of the young breast cancer survivor, whose needs and life issues are quite different than those of the older patient. It goes beyond informational texts by candidly discussing work and career changes, sexuality and relationships, childbirth and adoption, and religion and spirituality as they relate to the younger woman with breast cancer. This book is inspirational to all women: Life does go on after a breast cancer diagnosis, and it is often more fulfilling and meaningful. This is a must-read for all young breast cancer survivors and their loved ones.”
