Cancer Resource Guide

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General cancer organizations

American Cancer Society
ACS provides information on numerous types of cancers, plus an online support group, tips for talking to doctors and upcoming fund-raising events in your community. Facing out-of-town treatments? Hope Lodge provides free, temporary housing across the United States for those whose best hope for effective treatment is far from home.

CancerCare
CancerCare helps recently diagnosedpatients and their families cope both emotionally and financially by finding counseling and monetary support resources online.

Cancer Schmancer Movement
Former star of The Nanny and uterine cancer survivor Fran Drescher started this organization to raise awareness about the importance of early detection among women. The goal: Diagnose all women's cancers at stage I, when they are most curable. Check out the site to read up on facts and purchase Cancer Schmancer gear—proceeds help fund the movement's education efforts.

The Cancer Support Community
This summer, Gilda's Club Worldwide and The Wellness Community merged to form this international non-profit that aims to provide support, education and hope to people with cancer. Patients, family members and caregivers can find resources online, at 50 local affiliates and at 100 satellite locations.

National Cancer Institute
NCI includes an online dictionary that features more than 6,000 cancer-related terms to help you better understand the illness. Access info on assessing and lowering your cancer risk and clear up common misconceptions.

Fertile Hope
Learn how to safeguard your reproductive health in the face of critical cancer treatments with the help of Fertile Hope, a LIVESTRONG initiative dedicated to providing information, support and hope to patients and survivors who have received medical care that may raise their risk for infertility.

Daily Strength
Social support is key to surviving and thriving during cancer treatment and recovery, and Daily Strength offers just that. Currently they have more than 500 online support groups dedicated to those fighting different types of cancer; their pages allow you to post messages, keep a journal and even upload photos or videos to the website.

National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
Find tons of free features, like Journey Forward, which helps cancer physicians and patients make the medical transition from cancer patient to survivor by keeping track of medical records and mapping follow-up care. Done with treatment? Download What Cancer Survivors Need to Know About Health Insurance for info on how to make the most of your insurance coverage post-cancer, plus tips to stay protected if you change jobs.

MyBiopsy.org
Make sense of the science behind biopsies on this site created by the College of the American Pathologists in Northfield, Illinois, which includes links to news about clinical trials.

MyCancerPlace.com
Don't face cancer alone. Connect with thousands of people who have also been touched by the disease by creating an online personal web page, where you can keep others updated on your condition and treatments, learn about therapy options and get advice from people who know the ropes from firsthand experience.

Cancer.net
Straight from the people who know cancer best, Cancer.net collaborates with the American Society of Clinical Oncologists to provide information to patients and their families. With useful resources like a list of more than 120 cancers and cancer-related syndromes, the site also includes an oncologist finder feature and downloadable podcasts.

Women's Cancer Network
Created by the Foundation for Women's Cancer, WCN is all about education and public awareness. Check out the online survey to find your risk for various types of cancer. You can also sign up for survivor courses or learn about the latest clinical trials and research.

Caring 4 Cancer
Subscribe to their email newsletter and personalize it with the particular cancer you are most interested in. Also register on the site to manage your connections with other patients and experts.

Cancer Treatment Centers of America
CTCA is a leading provider for personalized cancer treatment. Browse a list of treatments they offer and learn about their six centers across the United States. Still confused about the best course for your cancer treatment? Chat with a CTCA Oncology Information Specialist on the telephone or online.

Cleaning for Cancer
Extreme fatigue is a significant side effect of any cancer therapy, making simple household chores difficult to complete. Cleaning for Cancer is there to support patients by providing them with free residential cleaning services. Log on to the website to find a cleaning service near you.

Brain cancer

American Brain Tumor Association
The ABTA funds research, plus services and resources for brain tumor patients, their families and health care providers. Sign up to receive the Tips for Living and Coping (TLC) bulletin and get monthly suggestions to help deal with the challenges of living with a brain tumor.

The Brain Tumor Foundation
Not sure how to find the best doctor? BTF has a guide to evaluating doctors, so you are sure to find the right one. Check out the book list for good reads about the brain and cancer and visit their Road to Early Detection project to find out where you can receive a free brain scan.

North American Brain Tumor Coalition
Become a brain tumor advocate. NABTC is dedicated to being a strong public policy voice on behalf of adults and children with brain tumors. Want to help? Download the Brain Tumor Advocacy Packet to learn how to talk to your elected officials, friends and family to bring change that benefits the brain tumor community.

Events

Brain Tumor Walk
Unite your friends around a cause. The Brain Tumor Walk organized by the National Brain Tumor Society is coming to Silicon Valley, Boston, Dallas, Portland, San Diego, Huntington Beach and Philadelphia this fall.

Breast cancer

BreastCancer.org
The most visited online breast cancer resource, BreastCancer.org provides emotional support through discussion boards and chat rooms—there's even an iPhone app.

BreastCancerTrials.org
Join the fight! Learn whether you're eligible to participate in various breast cancer treatment trials through this not-for-profit organization. They believe that taking part in research trials can lead to quicker approval of new treatment options and improve the quality of life for all breast cancer patients.

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation
At least 90 cents of every dollar donated to BCRF help fund the organization's cancer research and awareness programs. Specially designed products in the Shop Pink line include jewelry, games, travel accessories and more that benefit the BCRF.

Breast Cancer Network of Strength
The Breast Cancer Network of Strength (aka Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization) provides unique peer support through YourShoes, a 24/7 center staffed by survivors who know what it's like to face the disease. Also, learn more about their Wig and Prosthesis Bank.

Pink Ribbon Program
Treatment makes many breast cancer patients feel physically, emotionally and mentally exhausted, but research shows a link between moderate physical exercise and improved quality of life. The Pink Ribbon Program is all about gaining mobility, strength and confidence through the power of pilates.

Living Beyond Breast Cancer
LBBC's site features updates on clinical trials, breaking breast cancer news and information on its annual conference. Registered users can also participate in online discussion forums.

Pink-Link
Whether you are a patient, survivor, family member or friend, you can connect with others just like you in the Pink-Link network. Ask questions, get advice and share support in this online community.

National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund
You can make a difference! Become a trained advocate and learn how you can participate in legislative, scientific and regulatory decisions, promote positive media coverage and raise public awareness for breast cancer.

Young Survival Coalition
Founded by three breast cancer survivors diagnosed under 35, YSC advocates for more research including patients 40 and under for whom fertility issues and early menopause are a concern and who have higher risk of mortality. Search the bulletin board, browse expert Q&As and read about YSC's efforts in advocating for research on their website. See a video report from the 2009 YSC conference here.

National Breast Cancer Foundation
The NBCF is fighting breast cancer through early detection. It is their mission to provide free mammograms to underprivileged women. Visit their site and view the Beyond the Shock presentation that gives the information you need when first diagnosed with breast cancer.

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
NBCAM is only in October, but this website offers advice year-round. Learn to read a pathology report, get recipes tailored to cancer patients and their families, and catch up on the latest breast cancer news.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure
After losing her sister Susan to breast cancer, Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker founded Komen for the Cure. The foundation has invested more than $1.9 billion in the breast cancer movement since its inception in 1982. Learn more about breast cancer, fund-raising and even share your story on their website.

Events

Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure
Embark on a three-day, 60-mile walk with breast cancer survivors and activists while raising money and awareness for Susan G. Komen for the Cure, helping fund innovative global breast cancer research and local community programs supporting education, screening and treatment. And don't worry, it's not all walk and no play: They provide nightly entertainment along with tents, meals and hot showers, plus medical support for those who need it. Check online for the schedule of walks taking place across the country.

The Entertainment Industry Foundation Revlon Run/Walk for Women
Hit the streets in New York City or Los Angeles for these annual 5K run/walks. The donations you receive help fund cancer research efforts and provide education and support to patients and their families.

Pinktober
In October, Hard Rock Caf?s, Hotels and Casinos around the world present special merchandise and gear, PINK drinks and star-studded live-music events that benefit national and local breast cancer charities around the globe. Enjoy musical performances throughout October at the Hard Rock Caf? in your town.

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
Grab your sneakers and some friends and join the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. The 1K and 5K run/walks are available across the country and raise funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer.

Avon Walk for Breast Cancer Series
The Avon walks have raised nearly $400 million since their incarnation, and you can help to make that number even higher! Nine cities nationwide will host two-day, 39-mile events. The funds raised go to local, regional and national breast cancer organizations.

Lunafest
Catch a chick flick! The festival highlights more than 150 films made by, for and about women. The pictures travel the nation from September to April, and 15 percent of the ticket proceeds go to the Breast Cancer Fund (the rest of the proceeds go to local charities that help organize the festival). Lunafest was established by LUNA, the Whole Nutrition Bar for Women.

Walk for Hope
Walk to benefit women's cancer cancer research, treatment and education at the City of Hope cancer center. All funds raised (up to $250,000) will be matched by the corporate sponsor, Staples. The walk is coming to Phoenix, Seattle and L.A. this fall; eight more are scheduled for 2012.

The Bra-ha-ha®
Calling itself "a seriously uplifting experience" this fund-raising-oriented celebration of life through art began in Virginia and is quickly expanding nationally. This year the event debuts in Orlando, produced by Cosabella, Neiman Marcus and the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Funds raised through each event support free screenings and other breast health services in the local community. Visit the website for information on how to host a Bra-ha-ha® in your area.

Cervical cancer

National Cervical Cancer Coalition
Get the facts on Pap smears, the HPV vaccine and cervical cancer, plus check out the Cervical Cancer/HPV Quilt Project, which creates quilts made of individual squares designed by patients or in honor of loved ones with the disease. The quilts are on display in hospitals, cancer centers and clinics and at professional and women's health conferences. Women who haven't had a Pap in three years can take advantage of the NCCC's FREE Pap Test Day, which is held annually on the second Friday in January; contact your gynecologist to see if he or she is participating.

Women's Cancer Network
Take less than 10 minutes to complete a risk assessment survey and get a customized report outlining your chances of developing gynecologic and breast cancers, including cervical. Want more info? Check out the WCN online bookstore.

National Cervical Cancer Public Education Campaign
Get a yearly email reminder when you sign up for Take the Pledge. By signing the contract, you vow to receive a gynecological exam each year and to ask your health care provider about cervical cancer screening each year. Sponsored by the Foundation for Women's Cancer, the website features video footage of women and doctors talking about their personal experience with cervical cancer and is taking great strides in reaching out to Latina and African-American communities.

The Digene HPV Test
Learn the ins and outs of HPV, how it's screened and cervical cancer through a series of FAQs and take a quiz to see how much you really know about the test. The website also offers a mother-daughter guide to overcoming the discomfort that can come with discussing the subject matter.

Eyes on the Prize
Join an email discussion list, find a local support group or send an email postcard to your friends to raise awareness of all forms of gynecological cancer.

Tamika & Friends
Check out this online network of survivors and friends affected by HPV and cervical cancer. Members take turns hosting events to promote awareness and make personal connections.

Pearl of Wisdom Campaign to Prevent Cervical Cancer
Purchase a pearl or post a banner to your website to spread the word about the campaign. Pearl of Wisdom is an international effort to bring information about the Pap test, HPV test and HPV vaccine to women around the world.

Colorectal cancer

Colon Cancer Alliance
Whether you need help with your own diagnosis or that of a loved one, find a buddy on the CCA site who can relate. The site provides detailed information on colon cancer symptoms, genetics, risk factors, statistics and support initiatives. Plus, sign up to receive newsletters and info about regional seminars.

Fight Colorectal Cancer
Join the movement! Discover how you can take part in advocacy efforts that increase research funding for colon and rectal cancer prevention and treatment.

Events

Undy 5000
Run or walk in a 5K race organized by the Colon Cancer Alliance—just be sure you're dressed appropriately: in your underwear! Opting for running shorts over skivvies is optional, but the CCA undie run will draw attention to your derriere and raise awareness for this detectable disease. Races will be held in the fall in Washington, D.C.; Cincinnati; Dallas; Phoenix; and Atlanta.

Get Your Guts in Gear: The Ride for Crohn's and Colitis
Gutsy riders are coming to the Midwest. This fall the three-day ride will benefit The Colon Club, the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America and others.

Get Your Rear in Gear
The Colon Cancer Coalition is raising the stakes with a race. Participate in a 5K to raise awareness about the second deadliest cancer. The race is coming to Waukon, Iowa; San Francisco; Austin; Des Moines; Alexandria, Virginia; St. Louis; Columbus; Milwaukee; Boston; Seattle; and Lafayette, LA this fall.

Head and neck cancer

The Oral Cancer Foundation
The Oral Cancer Foundation provides important information on treatment and rehabilitation for oral cancer patients, as well as emotional support to face challenges ahead.

The Head and Neck Cancer Alliance
Share your story and meet others whose lives have been affected by head and neck cancer. HNCA connects patients, families, friends and caregivers for support and inspiration.

American Head and Neck Society
In 1998, AHNS became the largest organization in North America for the advancement of research and education in head and neck oncology. Because this disease does not receive the same widespread attention as other more common cancers, the society is dedicated to funding much-needed scientific research to help find a cure. Visit their website to donate to the cause.

Kidney cancer

Kidney Cancer Association
Get the latest news on kidney cancer news and research via the KCA pressroom, newsletter and podcasts. Join the community forum to connect with others affected by kidney cancer. Also, enter their 4th Angel program where patients are paired with a mentor who has similar diagnosis, gender and age.

Events

Bank of America Chicago Marathon
Run in the Windy City raise money for kidneys. The Kidney Cancer Association is getting together a team for the Chicago Marathon This year's annual Windy City run is held on October 9.

Leukemia & lymphoma

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
This is one of the largest voluntary health organizations dedicated to blood cancer research, education and patient services. Get financial support, download educational brochures, become an advocate and chat with others who've been there on their discussion boards.

Leukemia Research Foundation
Dedicated to funding research for leukemia, lymphoma and myelodysplastic syndromes, the foundation's site includes research grant listings, patient information and details on donating money toward their efforts.

Lymphoma Research Foundation
The nation's largest lymphoma-concentrated voluntary health organization is devoted solely to funding lymphoma research, providing information on the disease and offering patients a helpline. Their site includes info on Hodgkin lymphoma and non–Hodgkin lymphoma, and provides a support network for patients to connect with peers who are also living with the disease.

Events

Light the Night Walk
Light it up for leukemia and lymphoma. Walkers who raise more than $100 carry lighted balloons to illuminate their support for patients, survivors and those lost to blood cancers. Organized by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, funds from the walk cover research and patient services.

Liver cancer

American Liver Foundation
The American Liver Foundation provides financial support for medical research, education and awareness campaigns to promote liver wellness and disease prevention. View their Liver Channel programs including new updates, webcasts and survivor videos. And check out their partnership with CaringBridge, which allows patients to create a personal website to update and communicate with friends and family about their condition.

LiverTumor.org
Read the latest scientific articles about radiofrequency ablation, a leading treatment for liver cancer. They also have a list of definitions every liver tumor patients might encounter.

Events

Liver Life Challenge
Bike, run, or climb to help fight liver cancer. Money raised supports the American Liver Foundation's mission to further research, education, advocacy and support related to liver health and wellness. Browse the site to find a challenge in your state.

Liver Life Walk
Want to put an end to liver disease? Lace up your sneakers! These walks, hosted by the American Liver Foundation, are among the largest fund-raising and awareness event for liver disease. Find a walk near you and bring your friends.

Lung cancer

LungCancer.org
This CancerCare–based website is the virtual home to the national nonprofit organization, which provides free, professional help to anyone affected by lung cancer.

Lung Cancer Alliance
The LCA is calling upon the government to take action and develop a comprehensive plan to reduce lung cancer deaths by 50% by 2020. Check their site to find out how to contact your local member of Congress to ask him or her to support H.R. 1394 or S. 752—bills calling for a plan to address prevention, early detection and treatment.

Code Blue for Lung Cancer
Want a loved one to quit the sticks? Download this 25-minute podcast to her computer. This powerful documentary sends a hard-to-ignore message about the number-one cancer killer that may make her think twice before reaching for another cigarette.

American Lung Association
Get a personalized treatment report for a variety of lung conditions, including cancer. Their interactive tool helps you understand your diagnosis as well as the pros and cons of your treatment options.

National Lung Cancer Partnership
Their free downloadable booklet helps you figure out which treatment options are best for you, pros and cons of each treatment, side effects and questions to ask your doctor.

Lung Cancer Foundation of America
Read their blog Lung Cancer?Through My Eyes by a woman currently fighting cancer. Learn how to create the grown-up (and way more fun) version of a lemonade stand: a nail-painting booth to support lung cancer research.

Events

LUNGevity Foundation
Throw an event to fight back against lung cancer with support from LUNGevity. The site can help you organize everything from parties to marathons to motorcycle rallies, all in an effort to bolster the battle against lung cancer. Planning to run a LUNGevity marathon? Use their virtual trainer to get ready for the run!

Free to Breathe? National Run/Walk Week
Raise money and awareness at The National Free to Breathe National Run/Walk, which takes place November 5-11, or visit their website to sign up for a 5K coming to your area this fall.

Melanoma

Melanoma.com
Download a sun safety brochure to learn the steps for preventing skin cancer, then consult the self-examination guide and follow the steps for checking your skin in the comfort and privacy of your own home. Melanoma patients can find tips for undergoing treatment, including advice on easing side effects and ensuring proper nutrition.

Melanoma Patients' Information Page
Connect with other patients via private chat rooms about treatments, doctor contacts and anything else that's weighing on your mind. Find selected readings tailored to a patient's specific cancer, a glossary to help you sort through all the medical jargon and staging and prognostic calculators.

Skin Cancer Foundation
Browse through a list of sun-protective clothing and films for car and home windows that carry the SCF seal of approval, which guarantees that the product has an SPF of 15 or higher, has been thoroughly tested and shouldn't cause irritation. SCF also recommends that women "go with your own glow." Don't get burned—sun safety has never been so easy!

Melanoma Hope Network
Get info on how to identify suspicious spots, as well as options for support and treatment if you've been diagnosed. You can also test out TrialFinder, which matches a patient's medical profile with compatible clinical trials as well as notifies patients via email when new treatments become available. The site also features a database of treatment centers that meet the MHN's standards of excellence.

American Academy of Dermatology
Find a free skin cancer screening in your area and get the facts on skin cancer, melanoma, sunscreen and indoor tanning.

Aim at Melanoma
Connect with a nurse to get all your questions about melanoma answered through Aim's NurseOnCall hotline. Also read through their Survivor Stories from patients who have recovered from cancer at every stage.

Events

The Skin Cancer Foundation's Road to Healthy Skin Tour
Get a free skin cancer screening from local dermatologists who volunteer their time aboard a 38-foot customized RV that makes stops across the country. Click on the online calendar to learn when it's rolling into your city.

Ovarian cancer

FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered
Get the facts on whether your family medical history puts you at increased risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer. You can also locate genetic counselors near you and connect with other "pre-vivors" (FORCE's word for high-risk women) in an online chat room.

Ovarian Cancer Research Fund
OCRF is dedicated to raising money to fund research for methods of early ovarian cancer detection and finding a cure. Check out the Wall of Hope for inspiration, where women with the disease are honored, as well as for a listing of upcoming fund-raising functions coming to a city near you.

Ovarian Cancer National Alliance
The alliance works to increase public and professional awareness of ovarian cancer as well as offer education and outreach at state and local levels to spread advocacy nationwide.

National Ovarian Cancer Coalition
NOCC works to educate women about ovarian cancer to improve survival rates. The website provides patient kits and "Break the Silence" Conversation Starter packets to empower newly diagnosed women with credible information that can help them through the challenges that lie ahead.

HERA Women's Cancer Foundation
Named for the Greek goddess of women, HERA empowers women, scientists and communities to rally behind the fight to end ovarian cancer. The website allows you to send ovarian cancer facts and symptoms to a friend.

Events

SheROX Triathlon Series
Join Team Hope! The National Series women-only triathlon is coming to San Diego and Bermuda in October. Raise $750 for the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund and get cool gear for the race.

Run for Her 5k Run & Friendship Walk
Inspired by her mother, who had ovarian cancer, Kelli Sargent partnered with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles in 2005 to start this 5K Run and Friendship Walk. Join her and thousands of others on November 13 in Los Angeles to walk or run for ovarian cancer awareness and raise funds for the Cedars-Sinai Women's Cancer program (WCP) at the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute.

Pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
PALS, Patient and Liaison Services, has given more than 35,000 patients and families information about pancreatic cancer diagnosis and treatment. PanCAN also offers a free clinical trial matching service. Also, find out how to get your U.S. representative involved in the Pancreatic Cancer Research and Education Act.

The National Pancreas Foundation
Cook up something good using Recipage, an online directory of tasty recipes catered to those with a sensitive pancreas. The NPF gives tips for successful living with pancreatic diseases. Also learn about alternative therapies like meditation, acupuncture—and laughter!

Events

An Evening With the Stars
Gaze at the stars at The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network's gala. This year's host is Access Hollywood's Tony Potts, and the star-studded event will be held at the Beverley Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles on October 22.

14th Annual L.A. Cancer Challenge
Celebrate Halloween (and get your pre-pig-out workout) with a run! This 5K/10K Walk/Run is sponsored by the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research and takes places on October 30 in Los Angeles. 100 percent of the money raised will fund pancreatic cancer research.

Pancreatic Cancer Research Walk
The Lustgarten Foundation will be visiting major cities including St. Louis, Boston, Indianapolis and Dallas this fall. Join the walk to raise funds—plus, connect with other walkers across the country on their online message boards.

PurpleStride
Across the country every year, tens of thousands of people participate in one of more than 50 walks and runs with the common goal of ending pancreatic cancer. Find one near you on the website.

Thyroid cancer

ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association
Get the facts, treatment options and an individualized person-to-person support system based on your diagnosis and personal preferences. Plus, you can download recipes made for thyroid cancer patients undergoing iodine treatments.

American Thyroid Association
Search for a thyroid specialist in your state and find brochures on thyroid disease, surgeries and tests.

Light of Life Foundation
Thyroid cancer survivor Joan Shey created the Light of Life Foundation (LOL for short) in 1997 to help ensure that sufferers never feel lonely again. LOL holds monthly support groups, provides patients with hospitality baskets and educational information, and organizes survivor teams for marathon running.

Books

When Cancer Hits: Your Complete Guide to Taking Care of You Through Treatment
By Britta Aragon ($17, Cinco Vidas)
This guide, written by a cancer survivor, helps you navigate the changes and obstacles you'll encounter throughout surgery, treatments, side effects and recovery—as well as helping you manage stress.

Everything Changes: The Insider's Guide to Cancer In Your 20s and 30s
By Kairol Rosenthal ($17, Wiley)
With personal accounts from young adult cancer patients, this book is filled with resources for every situation from coming out to your doctor to coping with cancer and parenthood.

Fighting Cancer With Knowledge and Hope: A Guide for Patients, Families and Health Care Providers
By Richard C. Frank, M.D. ($18, Yale University Press)
An award-winning medical oncologist, Frank demystifies disease with clear, approachable information on cancer and treatments to comfort and empower patients and their families. Frank includes strategies to cope with cancer on a daily basis, as well as patient anecdotes. Partial proceeds from the book sale are donated to CancerCare.

Surviving the Cancer System: An Empowering Guide to Taking Control of your Care
By Mark R. Fesen, M.D., FACP ($19, Amacom Books)
"Cancer is not only a disease. It is a highly sophisticated, multibillion dollar system." So cut the red tape. This book gives tips on developing a strong relationship between you and your doctor, which is vital to receiving quality care. Also get the inside scoop on cancer centers, pharmaceutical companies and insurance. Finally, Dr. Fesen answers 50 questions he gets most often from his patients.

Breast Cancer: The Complete Guide
By Yashar Hirshaut, M.D., and Peter I. Pressman, M.D. ($17, Bantam Dell Publishing)
This book has been re-released with new info and an additional chapter on the genetics of breast cancer. It is divided into four sections: From Suspicion to Diagnosis, Treatment, After the Treatment and Life After Cancer.

Your Brain After Chemo: A Practical Guide to Lifting the Fog and Getting Back Your Focus
By Dan Silverman, M.D., and Idelle Davidson ($25, Da Capo Press)
Studies show that chemotherapy can impair normal brain function. Davidson knows from experience. This book combines science and personal vignettes to describe "chemo brain," which can leave cancer patients mentally sluggish, strained and overwhelmed, as well as a nine-step plan to help lift the haze after chemo including diet and exercise.

The Adventures of Cancer Bitch
By S.L. Wisenberg ($25, University of Iowa Press)
A frank, funny and insightful account of one woman's battle with breast cancer. Wisenberg reveals the realities of life with cancer and how smarts, style and a self-depricating sense of humor help her fight back against disease. The book is an extension of her blog of the same name.

The Cancer Survivor's Guide: Foods That Help You Fight Back!
Neal D. Barnard, M.D., and Jennifer K. Reilly, R.D. ($20, Healthy Living Publications)
This book offers important insights into how nutrition can help prevent cancer and improve survival. Try more than 130 easy recipes and watch Eating Right for Cancer Survival, a companion DVD to arm you with more information on how simple changes can bring big health rewards.

What We Have: One Family's Inspiring Story About Love, Loss and Survival
By Amy Boesky ($26, Penguin Group)
This charming memoir details one woman's struggle to turn her family's painful history with cancer into an appreciation for life's smallest pleasures. Boesky shares a deeply transformative year in her family's life and invites readers to join in their joy, laughter and grief.

The Pink Ribbon Diet
By Mary Flynn, R.D., and Nancy Verde Barr ($17, Da Capo Press)
This unique diet book hits breast cancer from a before-and-after angle, devising a weight loss plan to both lower your breast cancer risk and rebuild it after the ordeal is over. The Pink Ribbon Diet features 150 recipes with an emphasis on Mediterranean foods with nutrients thought to lower breast-cancer risk and foods that improve biomarkers, indicators of risk.

Previvors: Facing the Breast Cancer Gene and Making Life-Changing Decisions
By Dina Roth Port ($16, Penguin Group)
This guide to breast cancer prevention is framed by the stories of five courageous women who faced their risk and took their futures into their own hands.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
By Rebecca Skloot ($26, Random House)
Who says faith and science can't coexist? This book deals with the reconciliation of medicine and spirituality as they apply to the search for cures for everything from cancer to AIDS.