Taking care of your “girls” review

I’ve read a number of breast care books in my time, but I’d never come across anything quite as groundbreaking as Taking Care of your “Girls”. A truly unique take on breast care aimed largely at teenagers, this book seeks to answer every single question that a young woman could possibly conceive – and much more besides – in a friendly, no-nonsense fashion.

The story behind the book is inspirational in itself. Marisa Weiss, (a breast health specialist, oncologist and president and founder of breastcancer.org) joined forces with her then teenage daughter, Isabel Friedman, to poll over 3,000 girls and their mothers about anything and everything boob-related, from common concerns to potentially harmful misconceptions. These queries have then been addressed in a simple Q&A format, peppered with useful and often amusing illustrations.

Highly accessible and exceptionally easy to dip in and out of when the need arises, Taking Care of your “Girls” is written in a straightforward, conversational and non-patronising style. It’s the kind of book I wish I’d had when I went through puberty and was too embarrassed to ask my mum or friends about my development. If I had daughters I would most definitely buy it for them; especially if there was a history of breast cancer in my family.

In this book you’ll find the answers to all these questions and more:

• How do I deal with really big breasts?
• How do you remember what your breasts feel like from month to month?
• How do I get rid of hair on or around my breasts?
• How can I make my breasts less lumpy and less painful?
• When does teasing cross the line and become harassment?
• I have a cyst that really hurts – what can I do about it?

Although Taking Care of your “Girls” is clearly aimed at the younger market, there’s plenty in there of interest for the adult reader too. Please note, this is an American book, so not all references will translate 100% for the UK market particularly concerning medical care, but this isn’t a reason not to buy an otherwise excellent and informative guide to breast health.