Previvors

Do you know what a previvor is? It is someone who does not have cancer, but who is at higher risk of cancer because of a strong family history or because of a genetic mutation. Dina Roth Port has writen a book about five women who are previvors and have a patchwork of breast and/or ovarian cancer running through their families. When I found out about this book, I was lucky enough to have a copy sent to me, and wanted to review it on my blog.

In this book, each woman tells her story of how the different cancers affected their decisions to get tested and their subsequent decisions. More importantly, the book describes options previvors have, what each option entails, and what an individual can expect, with surgical decisions, genetic testing, disease surveillance, breast reconstruction, body image and sexuality issues post-cancer, fertility, and how to tell your children. The book is a comprehensive how-to guide with personal journeys woven into the narrative, which makes it feel like you are talking with girlfriends about their personal decisions and concerns.

Personally, as someone with now breast and ovarian cancer in my family, but no known mutation, I found this book incredibly helpful. When the time comes, if need be, I will think about my options and what each path would mean for me. Right now, at the age of almost-30, this book helped dissipate some of the fear that I have of getting breast or ovarian cancer, and provided an informative, personal and empowering book to read and learn from.

Go to the book's website to learn more about the author and the previvors, and to learn how to order your copy.