World Book Day is only a few weeks away and we thought that this would be a perfect time to chat to you about books and also, specifically. breast cancer books.
Books can be such a great educational resource to find out more about so many things. As a breast cancer patient, they can allow you to learn more about yourself and be used as a tool to educate others about what you’re going through and how you feel. And they can also be used as a great tool to escape into an alternate reality. So here’s a little intro into what kinds of books and breast cancer books are out there that may be able to give you a helping hand after your diagnosis…
Using books and breast cancer books to explain breast cancer to your children
Breast cancer is a tricky subject to talk about with anyone, but explaining to children what breast cancer is and how it may affect your family is even trickier. Children often absorb lots of information through storytelling. Reading books that deal with important topics related to breast cancer with children who may be affected by a family member’s breast cancer diagnosis can help them understand and sympathise. One breast cancer book that is written specifically for young children whose mum has breast cancer is Mummy’s Lump, produced by breast cancer care. Other options that deal with wider subjects, such as ill family members and keeping memories of lost loved ones are almost certainly available from your local library and a librarian should be able to advise you.
Using books to spend time with someone who understands
As much as you are enjoying the opportunities to get to know others who have had a breast cancer diagnosis through support groups, drop-in sessions and choirs, sometimes you want some downtime and time alone. Unfortunately, far too many people have been in a similar position of being diagnosed with breast cancer. Fortunately, they’ve written books about it so you can spend time getting to know them and yourself a little better without having to get out of your PJs.
Using books to explain to family, friends and colleagues
Sometimes when you are ill and going through treatment, there are questions that you get asked by friends and family that you just don’t want to answer. You might not have the energy, it may be a sensitive subject or it may be an emotion too complex for you to adequately express. Others who have been diagnosed with breast cancer may be able to answer their questions in more succinct and emotive ways than you currently have the brain space for. So maybe when there’s a time when you want friends and family to understand, but you don’t want to be the one to explain, you could point them in the direction of some breast cancer books, like a breast cancer patient’s memoir.
Using books as an escape
Of course, as well as being a wonderful resource to find out more about yourself and other people, they’re also a great way to escape. Having breast cancer is hard and there is no shame in just wanting to escape from the real world for a little bit and deep dive into someone else’s life. Your mental health is important and if swapping your worries for those of Frodo Baggins and his ring, Sherlock Holmes and his latest case or Lizzie Bennett and her squabbling sisters helps you stay positive, then more power to you!
We hope this list for World Book Day helped you to think of some ways you can use books to help yourself and those around you who may be affected by breast cancer. If you’ve got any favourite books about breast cancer that really helped you, please do let us know in the comments or on social media!
