The Breast Cancer Survival Manual: A Step-By-Step Guide for the Woman With Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer

by John Link

In a valuable guide for women who have just been diagnosed with breast cancer, Dr. John Link helps sort through the confusion and the fear, by explaining such things as how to get a second opinion and how to understand a pathology report.

Particularly valuable is Link's step-by-step description of how breast cancer is characterized, or staged, according to tumor size, hormone receptors, and other factors--and how that affects prognosis. As a breast cancer specialist at Long Beach and Orange Coast Memorial hospitals in Southern California, Link knows the medical jargon and what it means. Although his writing style is at times a bit jargony and difficult to read, a breast cancer patient will willingly read and reread every word. The book also includes useful chapters on diet, exercise, herbs, and vitamins; managing the side effects of treatment; healing's mind-body connection; and organizing medical records and keeping a personal journal or log.

Ending on an encouraging note, Link writes, "You should know that most women today are cured of breast cancer. They undergo treatment, become survivors, and go on with their lives. But having breast cancer is certainly a wake-up call to many and may be for you. Life now has added uncertainty." This step-by-step manual helps you navigate the uncertainty and become a survivor, both physically and psychologically.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Reference, Self Help

190 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1998

Reviews

[Basic B's Guide · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for those recently diagnosed with cancer. Link covers the many important first steps and questions you may have in your breast cancer journey. I found it very easy to read as he speaks to you as someone who may not have a medical background. I appreciated that Link acknowledged that every woman's situation is unique. I found the section on pathology reports as well as the Her2 chapter, specifically informative as they related to my diagnosis. The Anna Quindlen quote at the end really resonated with me. "I learned to love the journey, not the destination." The author was uplifting and encouraging in his words and provided encouragement and hope.

I would suggest this book to anyone recently diagnosed as well as family members. In the beginning people have a lot of questions that you may not know how to answer. This would be a great book to share with friends and family during that time.

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. All thoughts are my own.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite line was "The more we learn about the nature of breast cancer, the more effective and targeted the therapy we can recommend, and a greater chance you'll receive the appropriate care. That is why they take their time before they do surgery. The ultimate goal is to survive the cancer with the least amount of side effects and disability."

[MD · Rating 4 out of 5]

The edition I read was published in 2017. There continue to be rapid advances in the field of breast cancer, but also much that doesn’t change.

I agree with reviewers who found the author’s nonstandard terminology confusing and his frequent mention of his own clinic (Breastlink) somewhat off-putting, but overall I found the information helpful. The tone is clinical.

[Melinda Basse · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not understand all kinds of breast cancer, such as Luminal B and also Luminal A!! I hope sixth kinda edition will help me someday go through cancer!! I do not have a history of breast cancer at all!! I want to keep hearing about people stories that has gone through any kind of cancer!! I am glad a couple of famous kinda faces have survived cancer

[Cartwheels · Rating 3 out of 5]

A useful reference, and very quick read to help in understanding your breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Being based on the American health system means it doesn't all apply in same way as in UK.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read when diagnosed with BC. For me, it was post surgical and had my pathology report but before addition therapies ( radiation, anti-estrogen). I think happened to be the best time ( for me) to read the book.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cthank you for my copy. Donating it to my hospital.

[Katie Bell-Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most up to date information I’ve found.

[Kathryn Ross]

Helpful info for the newly diagnosed.

[Carol Irvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good book about breast cancer…

[Suzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super helpful and organized in a way that you can easily skip the parts that don’t apply to your situation/diagnosis.

[Julia Bilderback · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of the books I found, The Breast Cancer Survival Manual by John Link, was one of the best. It goes into a lot of detail and helped us to figure out which questions we should be asking the doctors. It also let us know when the doctors were withholding information from us. I tell people that they have to become experts on their medical conditions because both doctors and the American medical system can not be trusted. My specific example of this is that the doctors would only tell us the stage of cancer and not the type. It took me asking very pointed questions and talking about the specific types to get them to tell us the type of breast cancer she had. Knowing the specific type makes a big difference in the options you have and by doctors withholding this information they block you from knowing what your options are. This book was pivotal in helping me build specific questions and hold the doctors accountable for what treatment options we had. I would highly recommend this book to both people diagnosed with cancer and their families. I also found this at the local library.

[Grace Dadoyan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book outlining most of the basic questions that arise after initial diagnosis. Book explains how stage is determined. I read the 2nd edition and will be reading the 4th edition to see if there are changes in the chapters on chemo and tamoxifen. Nottingham Grade scale was not mentioned - perhaps that was developed after this edition and will be in the 4th ed. Will update review at that time.
Ok just finished the 4th edition. Nottingham Grade is covered but it's referred to as Bloom Richardson Score. Also Onco Type DX is covered. If you are just looking for an overall overview, either edition will work. If you want to get into more specific details, go with the newest version. And don't limit yourself to one book on the subject. Read a variety of books to get a diverse perspective.

[Melinda Basse · Rating 5 out of 5]

kinda book writer John Link has written shows you pictures of figure 1.5, distribution of axillary lymph nodes. I still do not understand words like sentinel and also multiple other kinda words at all!! Anatomy of Breast pictures are also shown in book!! I somewhat have an understanding now as to what to do no matter which kinda stage of cancer I am in!! I now know not to use cellphones all day long and to exercise more


In nineteen nineties focus was on dietary fats (the fat we consume in our diet) as the major cause of cancer. We must rely on science to show us the way. Evidence of cancer is overwhelming today

[Jas · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a newly diagnosed breast cancer patient, my doctor, who happens to be the author, gave this to my family and me. It helped immensely. It gives an exceptional explanation of what to expect and advice for the unexpected. It was particularly helpful for my parents and greatly put their minds at ease through the months of treatment and recovery. John Link will forever be a part of me. I highly recommend his books for anyone who is, or knows someone who is, battling this silent killer.

[Beverly Diehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book nobody WANTS to have to read, but it presents much of the information we need to know, when dealing with a new diagnosis of this beastie. I found the section on interpreting the pathology report especially helpful, but all of it is helpful in understanding the terminology and techniques that doctors will use in talking about breast cancer, and written in an easy-for-a-layperson-to-understand style.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

He uses medical jargons to a minimal making the book easy to read and very informative. He also presents it in a step by step plan of action format which follows the process of being diagnosed to making all the relevant decisions concerning the procedure and treatment. I feel very empowered and equipped to discuss with my doctors now that I understand the many nuances of navigating breast cancer. It helped me immensely. Thanks Dr. Link!

[Marty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should have gotten this the day i got my diagnosis instead of flailing around on the web. I'd have asked smarter questions.