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Vaccines after Cancer: Taking Control (2nd Edition)

About

All you need to know about vaccinations after a cancer diagnosis

Australia Day 2017, when I was recognised with an Order of Australia, was a bittersweet moment. The day before, I had received my first dose of chemotherapy for Hodgkin lymphoma. After eight months away from work, I too became a “cancer survivor”.

During my own cancer journey, vaccination was never discussed with me. I later realised that many people diagnosed with cancer receive little or no guidance about vaccines—before treatment starts, during therapy, or in the years that follow.

In 2020, a conversation with my nephew, a general practitioner, highlighted just how important vaccination is after cancer treatment. That prompted me to begin researching vaccines in depth, both for myself and for my patients.

This fully updated second edition provides clear, practical guidance on vaccination before, during, and long after cancer treatment, helping you protect your health with confidence.

Learn

  • Which vaccines to consider before, during, and after cancer treatment
  • Which vaccines should be avoided or delayed during certain cancer treatments
  • How cancer and its treatments affect your immune system
  • How vaccination reduces your risk of serious infections
  • What to expect after vaccination, including common side effects
  • What you need to know about vaccines for shingles, pneumonia, whooping cough, influenza, and COVID-19
  • How often vaccinations and boosters may be needed in the years after treatment

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.

frequently asked questions

Yes. The book provides detailed, step-by-step explanations of lymphoedema management, including assessment, treatment pathways, self-care routines and long-term control strategies. It goes beyond basic advice, helping readers understand why certain treatments are used and how they work together.

Absolutely! A significant focus of the book is lymphoedema that develops after cancer surgery, radiation therapy or lymph node removal. It explains how cancer treatment affects the lymphatic system and outlines management strategies relevant to cancer survivors.

Secondary lymphoedema occurs when the lymphatic system is damaged by surgery, cancer treatment, infection or injury. The book clearly explains secondary lymphoedema, how it develops, who is at risk and how it differs from primary lymphoedema.

Yes! Lymphoedema: Taking Control explains the link between lymphoedema and cellulitis, including why infections are more common and potentially serious. It helps readers recognise early warning signs and understand when urgent medical attention is needed.

The guide includes practical advice to reduce cellulitis risk, including skin care, infection prevention and early symptom recognition. While it does not replace medical care, it supports patients in taking proactive steps that may help lower infection risk.

The book explains complex decongestive therapy (CDT) as the gold-standard treatment for lymphoedema. It outlines its key components, including compression, skin care, exercise and manual lymphatic techniques, helping readers understand how CDT supports swelling reduction and control.

Yes. Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is clearly explained, including how it supports lymph flow and when it is appropriate. The book helps readers understand the role of trained therapists and how MLD fits into a broader lymphoedema management plan.

Compression garments are discussed in detail, including their role in controlling swelling, maintaining treatment results and supporting daily activity. The book explains different garment types, proper use and why professional fitting is important for effective lymphoedema management.

Yes. The guide includes information on movement and exercise as part of daily lymphoedema care. It explains how gentle, appropriate exercises support lymph flow and function, while emphasising safety and consistency rather than strenuous or unsupervised activity.

The book discusses surgical options like lymphoedema liposuction and lymphatic microsurgery, outlining when they may be considered and their limitations. It provides balanced, evidence-informed explanations to help readers understand these options within a broader treatment plan.

Yes! Published by BC Publishing,the book is well suited to Australian healthcare settings. It aligns with specialist-led lymphoedema care and is useful for patient education, clinical discussions and guidance alongside advice from qualified health professionals.

You can order the book online through the BC Publishing website. Simply choose your format, complete checkout and have the book delivered directly to your home, clinic or education centre.

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