Waking Up/Fighting Back: The Politics of Breast Cancer

In this timely and empowering book, Altman examines the latest scientific and medical findings, pinpoints the problems that still exist, explains what the medical establishment needs to do - and tells breast cancer patients what they can do now. She lucidly describes what we know about the causes of breast cancer: hormonal factors, environmental hazards, smoking, and heredity, including the newly discovered breast cancer gene. She discusses the tainted data in some large National Cancer Institute studies. And she tells us about research on diet, exercise, and other precautionary measures that might help prevent the disease.
Zeroing in on the many controversies that swirl around diagnosis and treatment, Altman questions why so many women are still getting mastectomies when studies show that survival rates are the same with lumpectomies. She discusses the ongoing mammography debate and examines both sides of the debate over the hormonal drug tamoxifen. And she looks at the recent dispute over silicone breast implants.
Finally, Altman turns to the social, economic, and political ramifications of breast cancer. She shows how breast cancer patients often face problems with health insurance, job discrimination, and sexual relationships. She criticizes the medical establishment for its long-standing neglect of breast cancer and other women's health issues. And she shows how a national network of breast cancer activists has dramatically increased public awareness of the disease while putting pressure on the doctors and politicians to increase research and improve treatment.