Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in American women, according to Cancer.org. Currently, the average risk of a woman in the United States developing breast cancer sometime in her life is about 13%. This means there is a 1 in 8 chance someone you know will develop breast cancer.
I received this letter the other day from oncologist David M. Mastrianni, MD:
“As the world struggles to deal with the COVID-19 infection, the life we knew seems forever changed. At the start of my career, I remember patients exposed to the newly discovered illness called HIV/AIDS sharing their fears of that plague. Today, we are globally facing the uncertainty that many patients with cancer know so well. At times it can be overwhelming, even threatening to make us stop working for a better future.”
“I am inspired by the many who push on. Each day it is my privilege to witness healthcare workers step up to meet this challenge, even if they are unsure of what it means. I see those in our community reach out to others, even as they maintain proper physical separation. And I see patients with cancer continue on in their own lives and struggles.
“Watching these heroes continue in their missions has given me encouragement to continue with one of my own. I am pleased to report that my book, Breast Cancer: A History of Breast Cancer Treatment Told through Women’s Stories, is now available on Amazon. The profits go to support cancer research in the lab of Dr. Daniel Tenen. During this time, it is particularly important that research on cancer continue and the scientists of the future be encouraged.
“During this crisis, please follow the instructions of your local health officials. We must take care of ourselves and each other. As we do, I believe we will overcome this challenge together.”
(signed) David Mastrianni, MD
The unvarnished reality of what it’s like to have breast cancer and its social and scientific history, told through the stories of six patients. Breast Cancer by David M. Mastrianni, MD #breastcancer Click To TweetAnnouncing an important new book about breast cancer, its history, treatment, and the women who battle the disease.
Today I’m honored to announce the publication of this important new book by medical oncologist David M. Mastrianni. In his almost thirty years in practice, he has heard the stories of hundreds of ordinary women in extraordinary fights against this all-too-common cancer. In Breast Cancer: A History of Breast Cancer Treatment Told through Women’s Stories, he shares the unvarnished reality of what it’s like to have breast cancer as told through the stories of six patients. Woven throughout the book is the fascinating cultural and scientific history of breast cancer treatment that will bring encouragement, comfort, and understanding to anyone whose life is touched by this disease. I invite you to read the free sample at the link above; I think you’ll be fascinated by both the stories of women profiled and the social and scientific history of this scourge that affects 1 in 8 women in the United States.
“I remember the moment the doctor told me I had cancer. Time stood still, and and I didn’t understand anything else she said. When the fog cleared, I had questions. Understanding cancer is a challenge, but you can do it. And you should.”
—Carol, breast cancer survivor.
In the year that David and I worked together to bring his book together, I also had the absolute pleasure of meeting (virtually, of course) many editors, proofreaders, and indexers as we looked for the right combination of professionals who would help David bring his book to reality. I would like to offer a special thanks to copyeditor Linda Orlando of Orlando Communications, proofreader James Shrieve, and indexer Judi Gibbs of Write Guru for their meticulous work on this book.
Breast cancer has affected my close friends and family, and chances are it has affected yours, too. I hope you’ll read this book and share it with anyone who might benefit from the wealth of knowledge, support, and hope it offers.
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David Mastrianni, MD, is a medical oncologist in his hometown of Saratoga Springs, New York, and the third generation of physicians in his family. After graduating from Saratoga High, David attended Princeton University, where he majored in history and was captain of the heavyweight crew. Inspired by his physician father and uncle, he returned to the area to obtain his medical degree from nearby Albany Medical College. David then completed medical residency at George Washington University, where he was profoundly influenced by the public marches and demonstrations that took place during the HIV/AIDS outbreak. During his residency, David became interested in oncology and molecular biology. He completed an oncology fellowship at Beth Israel Medical Center/Harvard in Boston and spent time in the lab. His key discovery was his wife and partner, nurse practitioner Lucille Albergo.
After moving to Saratoga Springs to raise their own family, David and Lucille worked together at Albany Medical College before establishing their own oncology practice. After many years, their practice became part of Saratoga Hospital. David also served as a consultant to Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake, New York and taught oncology at the College. David is currently the Senior Vice President of the Saratoga Hospital Medical Group and an Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine at Albany Medical College. David writes about cancer on his website, www.oncologylessons.com.
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Candace Johnson is a professional freelance editor, proofreader, writer, and writing coach who has worked with traditional publishers, self-published authors, and independent book packagers on nonfiction subjects ranging from memoirs to alternative medical treatments to self-help, and on fiction ranging from romance to paranormal. As an editorial specialist, Candace is passionate about offering her clients the opportunity to take their work to the next level. She believes in maintaining the author’s unique voice while helping them create and polish every sentence to make it the best it can be. Learn more here.
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