Updated March 26, 2015.

I created this recommended reading list because good books are a great coping mechanism. You can get advice when you're ready and decline it without hurting anyone's feelings. You can learn about others' pain, confusion, fear, relief, and joy; learn from others' mistakes and successes. And you can usually do it without spending much money. This reading list is comprised of books I would recommend to a friend or loved one coping with colon cancer.

The Journey Through Cancer: Healing and Transforming the Whole Person

This book explains that cancer is a unique journey for each individual and as such, each person requires a different combination of treatments to heal the body, mind, and spirit.

When It's Cancer: The 10 Essential Steps to Follow After Your Diagnosis

This book is on the reading list because it's a comprehensive, step-by-step manual for anyone who has recently been diagnosed with cancer. The authors offer practical advice and worksheets to help patients figure out exactly what to do.

Positive Options for Colorectal Cancer

This book lets you accompany a variety of people (with the author as your guide) on their journey from "I think there may be something wrong" all the way to adjusting to life after an ostomy and dealing with a recurrence.

Top Cancer Memoirs

Cancer memoirs are an excellent source of emotional support for cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers. These made the reading list because they're my top choices for medical memoirs that are entertaining and insightful.

Reprinted by permission from Rodale, Inc. Books to Help You Cope With Colon Cancer
I created this recommended reading list because good books are a great coping mechanism. You can get advice when you're ready and decline it without hurting anyone's feelings. You can learn about others' pain, confusion, fear, relief, and joy; learn from others' mistakes and successes. And you can usually do it without spending much money. This reading list is comprised of books I would recommend to a friend or loved one coping with colon cancer.

The Journey Through Cancer: Healing and Transforming the Whole Person

This book explains that cancer is a unique journey for each individual and as such, each person requires a different combination of treatments to heal the body, mind, and spirit.

When It's Cancer: The 10 Essential Steps to Follow After Your Diagnosis

This book is on the reading list because it's a comprehensive, step-by-step manual for anyone who has recently been diagnosed with cancer. The authors offer practical advice and worksheets to help patients figure out exactly what to do.

Positive Options for Colorectal Cancer

This book lets you accompany a variety of people (with the author as your guide) on their journey from "I think there may be something wrong" all the way to adjusting to life after an ostomy and dealing with a recurrence.

Top Cancer Memoirs

Cancer memoirs are an excellent source of emotional support for cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers. These made the reading list because they're my top choices for medical memoirs that are entertaining and insightful.