Your own doctors, nurses and others in your healthcare team are the only people who can tell you about your particular cancer and its treatment.

However, if you would like to read some more general information now, you may find these suggestions helpful.

Websites, leaflets and booklets
 

Breast Cancer Care (BCC)
This site has a wealth of information on all aspects of breast cancer.

There are online booklets and factsheets on such subjects as breast self-examination, tests, treatment options, side-effects, breast surgery, reconstruction and prostheses, sexuality and fertility, chemotherapy drugs, practical issues, the different types of breast cancer, and male breast cancer.

You can also get information on BCC's national and regional services, news and events, as well as links to other recommended web sites.

If you would prefer printed copies of BCC information, contact the BCC helpline on: 0808 800 6000 (textphone 0808 800 6001) or 020 7384 2984. In most cases these are free of charge.

Breast cancer
CancerHelp (Cancer Research UK) has lots of detailed information about breast cancer, including causes, symptoms, tests, treatments, side-effects and useful organisations.

Breast cancer information centre
The Cancerbackup site covers general information, causes and diagnosis, treatment, clinical trials, resources and support. Order booklets online, or contact Cancerbackup for a printed copy (free to patients).
 

Breakthrough Breast Cancer
You can search this website for news and articles about breast cancer topics.

Tenovus
This site has online versions of leaflets about breast awareness, Tamoxifen and breast cancer generally. You can download the leaflets from the site, or you can order free printed copies either via the website or by phoning the Tenovus helpline: 0808 808 1010.

Database of Individual Patient Experience (Dipex)
Many patients find it useful to know how other people coped with this cancer. Dipex is a website which offers the opportunity to view video, hear audio and read about different patient experiences.

Cancer Index (guide to internet resources for cancer)
You can use this to find worldwide sites on breast cancer and related subjects.

Women with breast cancer in the family
Guidelines on care, including screening, from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence. 50-page leaflet, May 2004. The information is for women at an increased risk from breast cancer, or who think they may be, because the disease runs in their family. Though the leaflet does not refer to men, it may be relevant to some men, as male breast cancer may run in families too. It does not cover women already diagnosed. Download the pdf, or telephone the NHS Response Line 0870 1555 455 for a copy.

Video

Breast Cancer Special
This 100-minute video covers breast examinations and mammography, diagnosis, breast reconstruction, diet, lymphoedema, relationships, complementary therapies etc. It has been produced by Hopeline Videos.

Books

The Breast Cancer Book
Val Sampson and Debbie Fenlon, Vermilion, 2000. ISBN: 0 091856 13 2.
Written by a former breast cancer patient and her breast care nurse. Includes information on the conventional medical treatments of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, as well as on the role of complementary approaches. Also has practical advice on managing your life, talking with family, friends and children, and looking after yourself.

What you really need to know about breast cancer
Dr Rob Buckman, Marshall Publishing, 2000. ISBN: 1 840283 30 0.
This book contains chapters on breast cancer symptoms and causes, diagnosis, treatment and care, and living with cancer.