When Joelle Kaufman was 13, her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. This “curveball” changed the course of Kaufman’s life as she managed the role of caregiver both to her mother and subsequently her sister; the need for vigilance in the face of her own cancer risk; and finally, her own diagnosis. Kaufman brings her experience and passion for helping others navigate the breast cancer journey to her new book, CRUSHING THE CANCER CURVEBALL: A Playbook for the Newly Diagnosed, Their Family and Friends (January 2025). Both a no-holds-barred memoir and a hands-on toolkit, this life-affirming guide demystifies the cancer experience, empowering those with cancer to take control of their path forward – and shows family and friends how they can help.

“My passion is supporting cancer patients in finding their voice, taking control of their journey, and reducing the chaos and terror. As my family says, we’ve seen the movie. We know how to write a better ending,” says Kaufman. While one in eight women in the United States will be told they have breast cancer, most will go on to live long, fulfilling lives. Kaufman’s experience will teach them what to ask, do, and anticipate at every stage of the cancer journey, supported by personal stories from twelve other women she interviewed about their approaches as well as her own.

CRUSHING THE CANCER CURVEBALL provides insights and lessons learned across the five phases of cancer: prevention, diagnosis, treatment, surgery, and recovery. The chapter names build on the baseball analogy, and all are chock full of real stories and hard-won advice — not unlike having an experienced friend holding your hand through your journey. If you are a family member or friend, you will gain insight into your loved one’s experience, enabling you to provide the support they truly need.

For anyone who has just heard the word “cancer,” CRUSHING THE CANCER CURVEBALL is a lifeline—a guide and resource that will be with you every step of the way, helping you to avoid unnecessary suffering, build deeper connections with loved ones, and make treatment decisions you feel good about. “While there’s no one-size-fits-all cancer story, you can learn to craft yours from a place of power, not fear. It can mean the difference between merely surviving cancer and emerging with a renewed zest for life,” Kaufman declares. Offering guidance for navigating cancer with courage, strength, and compassion—and doing it on your terms — Kaufman’s new book is a must-read for both the newly diagnosed and for anyone close to them.