The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer

I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. I am about 6 months in and this book was mentioned/recommended. It has been so helpful and encouraging. I love how easy it is to understand. She really helps lay out what different terms mean and helps me to feel informed. I would definitely recommend.

As a plastic surgeon who has worked in the field for over 20 years, and as someone who has experienced the devastating loss of a sister to breast cancer, I understand all too well the complexities surrounding this disease. Breast cancer is not only a physical battle but an emotional and psychological one. Dr. Jen Simmons’ Smart Women’s Guide to Breast Cancer offers a powerful and much-needed shift in how we approach breast cancer, blending conventional treatment with functional medicine, which aligns deeply with my own views on integrative care. Simmons writes from both a clinical and compassionate perspective, offering women a roadmap to navigate their diagnosis with confidence. What resonates most with me is her emphasis on finding the root cause of illness, a fundamental principle in my SHARP approach to health. SHARP, which stands for Surgery, Hormones, Alignment, Restoration, and Purpose, is built on the idea that healing must occur on all levels—physical, hormonal, emotional, and environmental. Simmons mirrors this philosophy by encouraging women to look beyond standard treatments and explore how factors like inflammation, toxicity, and stress contribute to disease. This book shines in its exploration of how functional medicine can complement traditional cancer care. Dr. Simmons explains the importance of addressing underlying metabolic imbalances, the role of diet and detoxification, and the significance of hormonal balance—topics that are core to my practice. When I work with patients, especially those dealing with the aftereffects of breast cancer and breast implants, we focus on detoxification, hormonal health, and restoring alignment in the body. Simmons highlights these same areas, particularly the need to reduce toxic exposure, which aligns with the protocols I employ for my patients undergoing detox after explant surgery. One of the most impactful aspects of this book is Simmons’ focus on empowerment. Women often feel powerless in the face of a cancer diagnosis, overwhelmed by the medical jargon and limited by the conventional “one-size-fits-all” treatment plan. I have seen this firsthand in my sister’s journey. The Smart Women’s Guide encourages women to take an active role in their health, offering them the tools and knowledge to make informed decisions. This is an approach I wholeheartedly support. My mission has always been to empower my patients to be their own advocates, whether they are addressing breast implant illness, recovering from surgery, or undergoing cancer treatments. Dr. Jen Simmons offers women hope and the understanding that breast cancer care can be a personalized journey—one that involves addressing every aspect of health, from the cellular level to the emotional realm. As someone who has seen the profound effects of breast cancer both personally and professionally, I believe this book is a crucial guide for women seeking a more comprehensive and integrative approach to healing.

This book is an incredible resource for anyone faced with a breast cancer diagnosis. It was a quick and easy read. I use it constantly as a reference and guide to help support my mom in her breast cancer journey. I love it so much I have bought a few books and given as gifts to some of the other patients in her treatment center. It truly is life changing and has made my mom’s cancer journey so much more tolerable. Worth every penny!

Amazing book written by an amazing doctor ! All women should read this book!

A must have for anyone beginning their breast cancer journey. It describes the process from beginning to end, what to expect during treatment and also extra intergrative things to do along with western medicine. I got this book a little late but I still learned a ton. I took notes and still use them. Great tips on what foods/supplements help with immune system.

Being newly diagnosed woman in 30s, this book has helped me what I can do to help myself further and what questions I could ask my provider during my first consultation. So much good information and I am so happy and hopeful. Thank you for giving me strength Dr. Jenn. I am ready for my first appointment with my breast surgeon tomorrow! Like you said, Breast Health is Health!!!

I'm obsessed with this book! Written by an integrative oncologist, breast surgeon, and cancer survivor, it's packed with empathy and expertise. Dr. Jenn walks you through everything from understanding your diagnosis to nourishing your body and mind. She shares practical tips on sleep, mindset, supplements, and food, empowering you to take control of your healing journey. What I love most is her holistic approach - she treats the whole person, not just the tumor. This book is a must-read for anyone navigating cancer. Dr. Jenn is like a wise friend, guiding you with truth, kindness and wisdom. This book will change the way you view cancer and give you hope as you heal.

Haven't read it yet but wanted to comment that I have ordered several books by authors who use print on demand and the font print is on the light side which makes it harder to read. The printer should be notified by the author about this.

Written by a breast surgeon with a full medical training and a couple of decades in practice who left her surgical consultant job after receiving a devastating diagnosis she went on to train as a functional doctor and oncologist. All the studies she quotes are fully referenced which is something I particularly wanted to read myself. She also has a brilliant podcast call Keeping Abreast With Dr Jenn which is interesting as she has many guest on who were also doctors, oncologists,radiotherapists,thyroid specialists and nutritionists who have all pretty much taken the same route once receiving their own devastating diagnosis knowing in their heart of hearts that some of the conventional treatments they were subsequently advised to take would also be damaging to their health. I feel this book has helped me to make my own informed choices. She doesn't advise against conventional treatments but informs on voices as well as alternatives. Marvellous!

Good book and great information and awareness. Speaks about those going through the journey and prevention

Well written, clear and concise language, covering many things a woman can do to improve her health, wellbeing and ultimately her life - if she puts in the necessary effort. Very inspiring and enlightening, and absolutely evidence based. Absolutely recommended.

This is a very good book with lots of information and suggestions. I would strongly recommend reading it.

Excellent read!