While the amount of information regarding a breast cancer diagnosis is vaster than ever, online and off, what continues to be missing is the explanation behind the options. Most of the data online on medical sites is generic and often comes from the same source. Then there are the patient sites as well as many social media outlets that provide peer to peer support and information. This is important for emotional support but still leaves out the full range of options and the reasons for them. The Breast Book is where people go for a deeper understanding of how to make the best possible choices for their particular situations. Now in its seventh edition, the Breast Book has been fully revised to incorporate all the most recent developments in prevention, treatments and research. This new edition covers:
- New treatments: including new drugs, vaccines, hormonal treatment and drugs with longer duration (10 years) for the estrogen positive tumors
- The increasing focus on where cells live, both locally (immune system, hormones, etc.) and systemically (stress, etc.)
- Prevention: several new drugs have been added to the list of chemoprevention drugs. In addition, preventative surgery has received increased attention.
- Increased data on "alternative" approaches such as stress reduction and exercise in reducing recurrence.
- Increased understanding of the immune system and how it either controls or promotes the cancer.
- Risks for survivors
- Genetics
- Special groups: Men with breast cancer are demanding a louder voice in the conversation and research.