Young Breast Cancer Your Story and Mine: A Compact Guide

Young Breast Cancer: Your Story and Mine is a supportive, resource-rich guide for those navigating breast cancer under 45. Combining memoir with actionable insights, the book covers vital topics like learning cancer terminology, parenting during cancer, the experience of going through treatment, fertility and dating. Its structure—forward, introduction, and nine concise chapters—offers readers the freedom to explore topics as needed without overwhelming searches.

Practical resources include a glossary of terms, an email for support, and a QR code to ensure up-to-date resources and statistics. The book also focuses on survivorship and holding onto one's identity during and after cancer, balancing a gentle, honest tone with uplifting encouragement.

This guide rejects toxic positivity, offering a relatable voice from someone who's been through it. Ideal for young breast cancer patients and their caregivers, it serves as a reassuring friend and reliable resource in a challenging time. It reminds readers that they don't have to face breast cancer alone.

Erin was diagnosed with Stage IIB TNBC one week before her 35th birthday in 2021. She then began writing about the Adolescent and Young adult (AYA) cancer experience, publishing articles in Elephants and Tea Magazine and Wildfire Magazines. Erin serves as volunteer President on the working board of directors for The Young Breast Cancer Project. Her life's mission is holding space for people, advocating for vulnerable groups, and sharing her core belief that we are all connected and valuable. Erin spends her time volunteering, wrangling two kids, dabbling in live storytelling, writing on Substack at erinleeperkins.substack.com, seeing live music, and having coffee or beer with friends. This is her first book. You can find her @erinleeperkins on Instagram.