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Cancer & Vaccinations: Taking Control

About

All you need to know about COVID-19 and other vaccines

Australia Day 2017, when I was recognised with an Order of Australia award, was a bitter-sweet moment, as the day before, I had received my first dose of chemotherapy for Hodgkin’s lymphoma. After eight months off work, I too became a ‘cancer survivor’.

My treatment team didn’t talk to me about vaccinations, and I suspect you may be in the same situation. In 2020 my nephew, a general practitioner, called me and said I needed to be vaccinated for shingles, pneumonia, and whooping cough, especially because of my previous cancer treatment. I started doing my own research to help my patients and me.

Learn how to:

  • Which vaccines to have before or after your cancer treatment
  • What vaccines to avoid during your cancer treatment
  • How to reduce your chances of an unwanted infection
  • The common and uncommon complications after vaccination
  • How to avoid lymphoedema after a vaccination
  • All about the COVID-19 vaccines in the context of previous cancer
  • The risk of rare blood clots or heart inflammation after COVID-19 vaccination
  • How to reduce the risk of shingles, pneumonia, and whooping cough

Male Breast Cancer: Taking Control

About

All you need to know to “take control” after a diagnosis of male breast cancer.

Male breast cancer is not common and often underdiagnosed and undertreated. Using the familiar image of a garden and a personal, plain English style, renowned breast cancer specialist Professor John Boyages, MD, PhD, walks you slowly through the stress and confusion of diagnosis, treatment, and life after male breast cancer.

In Male Breast Cancer: Taking Control, John Boyages provides you with all the information you or your family and friends need to take control, maximize your survival, and find your path to recovery.

Learn how to:

  • Know the difference between “man boobs” and male breast cancer
  • Have the right tests for an earlier diagnosis
  • Avoid under- or overtreatment
  • Ask your treatment team the right questions
  • Choose treatments for your breast and lymph nodes
  • Deal with stress, anxiety, fatigue, and sexuality during and after treatment
  • Understand when chemotherapy is really required
  • Get specific up-to-date information for male breast cancer and avoid pamphlets designed for females
  • Achieve a more positive state of mind through inspiring and motivating patient stories and key take-home messages

Some key features:

  1. “Traffic-light” colors guide you through treatment phases
  2. 20 color-coded “Control Points”
  3. Clear end of chapter “Warning”, “Tip” and “Remember” icons and summaries
  4. End of chapter take home messages
  5. 10 real-life patient stories
  6. Plain English style with garden and other analogies to explain your breast cancer and its treatment
  7. Over 50 images and graphically designed diagrams
  8. Over 70 hand-picked web links
  9. Detailed glossary, key references and index (print version)

DCIS of the Breast: Taking Control

About

All you need to know to “take control” after a diagnosis of DCIS of the breast. Using his now familiar image of a garden and a personal, plain English style, renowned breast cancer specialist Professor John Boyages, MD, PhD, walks you slowly through the stress and confusion of diagnosis, treatment and life after DCIS of the breast. Your whole life stops after a diagnosis of DCIS. The condition is extremely confusing. Treatment advice varies and there is a danger of both under-treatment and over-treatment. One doctor recommends a lumpectomy and radiation and the other a mastectomy. One tells you it’s a cancer and the other it’s not cancer. In DCIS of the Breast: Taking Control, John Boyages provides you with all the information you and your family and friends need to take control, understand what DCIS means and how to best treat this condition.

Some key features:

  • Identify the 20 “Control Points” – important decisions you must make to navigate the medical maze
  • Find and research the right treatment team for you
  • Determine when a breast MRI may be indicated
  • Identify the key questions to ask your treatment team
  • Identify the treatment choices for your breast and armpit
  • Understand what oncoplastic surgery means
  • Avoid under- and over-treatment
  • Learn when hormonal treatments may be necessary
  • Cope with life after treatment
  • Take control if DCIS or cancer returns

Note from the author

“In this book, I will teach you all about DCIS. This book includes all the latest diagnostic and treatment techniques after a possible diagnosis of DCIS. Treating DCIS is sometimes more difficult than treating invasive breast cancer as there are many options and issues for this condition which is one step before breast cancer. The book is broken down into three coloured parts detailing the phases of your cancer treatment.” Professor John Boyages, MD, PhD

Lymphoedema: Taking Control

About

From the author of other Taking Control Books: Breast Cancer; DCIS and Male Breast Cancer

Your Complete Guide to Understanding and Managing Lymphoedema 

Living with lymphoedema can be challenging, but knowledge and proactive management can make all the difference. In Lymphoedema: Taking Control, the recognised lymphoedema specialist in Sydney, Professor John Boyages AM, empowers patients, carers and clinicians to take charge of this often misunderstood condition.

This essential lymphoedema book provides clear, compassionate guidance on recognising early warning signs, preventing complications like cellulitis in lymphoedema and exploring the latest evidence-based treatments, including complex decongestive therapy (CDT), manual lymphatic drainage MLD, lymphoedema compression garments and even surgical options like lymphoedema liposuction and lymphatic microsurgery.

A Practical Roadmap for Lymphoedema Management

Whether you are newly diagnosed, recovering from cancer treatment or supporting someone with secondary lymphoedema, this book offers expert advice backed by over 40 years of clinical experience.

In Lymphoedema: Taking Control, Professor Boyages breaks down the science and management of lymphoedema into easy-to-understand sections, helping you:

  • Identify early symptoms and risk factors
  • Prevent cellulitis in lymphoedema through daily care and hygiene routines
  • Use compression garments effectively for long-term comfort
  • Incorporate lymphoedema exercises into your everyday life
  • Understand when complex decongestive therapy (CDT) and manual lymphatic drainage MLD may be recommended
  • Explore innovative surgical options, including lymphatic microsurgery and lymphoedema liposuction

Each chapter provides both clinical insights and patient-friendly explanations, giving readers the tools they need to take control of their health journey.

Understanding Lymphoedema After Cancer

Many people develop lymphoedema after cancer treatment, particularly following surgery or radiation that affects lymph nodes. This swelling is not just a physical reminder of the cancer journey; it can also impact mobility, confidence, and quality of life.

Professor Boyages explains how early diagnosis and ongoing lymphoedema management can significantly reduce the risk of progression. With a focus on education, prevention and self-care, Lymphoedema: Taking Control highlights how small lifestyle changes can make a big difference.

About the Book – Lymphoedema: Taking Control

A practical guide for patients, carers, and clinicians. 

Lymphoedema is often underdiagnosed, misunderstood, and left untreated.

Lymphoedema: Taking Control offers readers clarity and confidence through expert insight, real-life experiences, and proven strategies for prevention, diagnosis, and self-care.

Inside, you’ll find:

  • Causes, symptoms and early warning signs
  • Current treatment options and when to seek help.
  • How to prevent cellulitis and recognise warning signs early
  • Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT) – what it is and how it works
  • Manual Lymphatic Drainage MLD – safe and effective techniques
  • Using compression garments to control swelling
  • Exercise and mobility for better lymph flow
  • Emotional well-being and support networks
  • New surgical approaches, including lymphatic microsurgery and lymphoedema liposuction
  • Inspiring patient stories and recovery journey

This is not just another medical guide; it’s a compassionate companion that bridges the gap between scientific understanding and practical living.

Why This Book Matters

By reading Lymphoedema: Taking Control, you’ll gain clarity on how to manage symptoms, work with your healthcare team and prevent long-term complications.

Professor John Boyages combines decades of research and clinical experience into a single, accessible guide that empowers readers to take charge of their condition physically, emotionally and mentally.

Who Should Read This Book?

  • Patients living with primary or secondary lymphoedema
  • Cancer survivors seeking to understand post-treatment swelling
  • Carers and family members supporting loved ones
  • Healthcare professionals (including therapists and nurses) involved in lymphoedema early detection, diagnosis and treatment.

Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with lymphoedema for years, Lymphoedema: Taking Control provides up-to-date strategies to help you live confidently and comfortably.

Each chapter provides easy-to-follow advice, supported by illustrations and patient stories, making it an essential reference for both home and clinic use.

Order Your Copy Today

Start your journey to understanding and managing lymphoedema with confidence.
Order Lymphoedema: Taking Control today from BC Publishing and take the first step toward a healthier, more empowered future.

Breast Cancer: Taking Control

About

Using the familiar image of a garden and a personal, plain English style to illustrate your cancer and how it affects your body, Professor Boyages, MD, PhD, walks you slowly through the stress and confusion after a diagnosis of breast cancer.

Some key features:

  • “Traffic-light” colours guide you through treatment phases
  • 20 color-coded “Control Points” with detailed flow charts
  • Clear end of chapter “Warning”, “Tip” and “Remember” icons and summaries
  • 15 real-life patient stories
  • Plain English style with garden and other analogies to explain your breast cancer and its treatment
  • 125 photographs in full color
  • 28 graphically designed diagrams
  • 75 hand-picked web links
  • Detailed glossary, key references and index

Learn how to:

  1. Identify the 20 “Control Points”: the 20 important decisions you need to make before and after your surgery
  2. Navigate through the medical maze of breast cancer treatment with detailed descriptions and clear flowcharts that give you a “birds-eye view” of the process.
  3. Find and research the right treatment team for you
  4. Identify the key questions to ask your treatment team before and after treatment
  5. Identify the surgical choices for your breast and armpit
  6. Understand when you really need radiation therapy, chemotherapy or hormonal treatment
  7. Preserve your fertility
  8. Understand ways of helping to cope with sexuality and early menopause after treatment

Note from the author

“Let me lead you down the right path for you to get you on top and “take control” of this all too common disease.” Professor John Boyages, MD, PhDProfessor John Boyages, MD, PhD