The 10 Best Questions for Surviving Breast Cancer: The Script You Need to Take Control of Your Health

Bonner, who calls herself “the Question Doctor,” teaches CEOs how to be more effective by asking the right questions and is on the graduate business faculty at George Washington University and Curtin University in Perth, Western Australia. After interviewing a number of experts in breast cancer oncology and surgery as well as in other fields, she divides her topic into three sections: Talking with Your Medical Team, Choosing Treatments and Living Your Life (including emotional, financial and social well-being). In each chapter, Bonner presents 10 important questions (as well as well-researched answers), and an additional “Magic Question” that many people never ask but later wish they had. Noting that a well-educated patient has the best chance of survival, Bonner encourages readers to become actively involved in their own care and to develop a communicative relationship with their cancer care team. Along with incisive questions, Bonner offers tips on how to be politely insistent to ensure questions get the responses they deserve. A chapter also addresses questions the reader might ask herself, and ways to impart the news of a breast cancer diagnosis to children (i.e., in an age-appropriate, honest and forthright manner). This will be a valuable guide for those with cancer as well as their families. Regrettably, 10 best questions regarding lifestyle and nutrition choices are not sufficiently addressed. (Oct.)