Straight from the Heart: Letters of Hope and Inspiration from Survivors of Breast Cancer

Yalof, a medical sociologist (Life and Death: The Story of a Hospital), notes that breast cancer strikes one in nine U.S. women. Drawing on correspondence written to McCall's magazine as well as to national cancer organizations from a cross section of the population under treatment for this affliction, she presents 72 letters that relate the authors' varied experiences. Women and families of women newly diagnosed with breast cancer will find these thoughtful, touching and detailed personal descriptions of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery informative and useful in allaying fears about the unknown. Although written in different voices, the writers all share an involvement in their treatment and a strong commitment to surviving the disease. Many of the women caution that mammograms may be unreliable and recommend self-examination. There is advice about diet and the helpfulness of cancer support groups. This supportive collection strongly delivers the message that a diagnosis of cancer is not a death sentence. (Oct.)