Not Now, Cancer, I'm Busy: Facing a Health Crisis in Early and Midlife

Are you or is someone you love facing a cancer diagnosis in the prime of life? You're not alone. The likelihood of developing cancer in one's lifetime is 1 in 2 for males and 1 in 3 for females, and the numbers are rising. A cancer diagnosis at any age is traumatic, but young to middle-aged adults who are often raising or planning for children, establishing careers, and getting on their financial feet face unique challenges. When cancer strikes, this group can become overwhelmed by navigating treatment options, mounting debt from medical bills, threats to fertility, and the necessity of facing one's mortality. It can become a mental battle ground.

In Not Now, Cancer, I'm Busy, Melissa Trevathan-Minnis and Deanne Meeks Brown offer research, resources, and support to help you overcome the psychological trauma of cancer. Sharing their own personal stories, along with insights from other young cancer survivors, these two mental health professionals guide you through the rollercoaster of emotions from diagnosis and treatment to transitioning back to life post-treatment. While the challenges of cancer survivorship are many, so are the coping strategies available to help promote recovery and well-being. Not Now, Cancer, I'm Busy, addresses cancer through the lens of mental health and offers strategies to not only cope with the challenges of cancer, but to build a life full of meaning and intention despite them. From developing a fighting spirit and learning how to slow down, to breaking down barriers to mental health and spiritual growth, this book will help you tap into your personal strengths and resilience. Although a cancer diagnosis in early and midlife can be earth-shattering, the trauma of cancer can actually leave you stronger and better equipped-if you let it.

Melissa Trevathan-Minnis is a licensed Psychologist in Austin, TX as well as a professor, writer, animal advocate and colon cancer survivor. She is a mom of two children, three dogs, one ever-growing tortoise, and a rotating group of foster animals

Deanne Meeks Brown is a therapist, writer, breast cancer survivor, lead singer in an all-mom rock band, and mother to three children. She lives and practices in southern California.