Speaker • Author • Storyteller
Speaker • Author • Storyteller
Books by Liz
The Cancer Roadmap: Real science to guide your treatment path
What is cancer? What causes it, and why do some people get it, while others don’t?
And with so much conflicting information now available – who can we really trust for sensible medical advice anyway?
We all want certainty and hope for ourselves or those we love after a cancer diagnosis, but what we really need is honesty and truth.
In The Cancer Roadmap, breast cancer surgeon and three-time cancer patient Dr Liz O’Riordan confronts the big cancer truths (and myths), offering clear, evidence-based answers. She breaks down the latest research to give the facts you need to make informed treatment decisions that are right for you or your loved one.
She gives definitive answers to common questions such as:
- Is it your fault you got cancer?
- Do you need to stop drinking alcohol?
- Can you cure cancer by changing your diet?
- Does alternative medicine work better than chemo?
Dr Liz also suggests meaningful, practical steps to reduce the risk of future recurrence, even when the odds feel stacked against you.
Let her guide you through your cancer journey with confidence and clarity, and give you the best chance of your cure.
“At last – a book about cancer that tells you how it really is. Dr Liz has the perspective of both doctor and patient. In this scientific but easy-to-understand book, she takes you by the hand to help you through treatment. Absolutely essential for anyone living with cancer, and anyone who has been impacted by the disease.”
Lorraine Kelly CBE, TV presenter
“I intended to fl ick through the pages but immediately I was hooked. Dr Liz does her homework but writes as if she is chatting to you over a cup of tea. So clear and concise – exactly what you need when you are looking for answers to the thousands of questions you need answered along this journey. The book I wish I had from the day of my own diagnosis.”
Dr Julie Smith, clinical psychologist and bestselling author of Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?
“Having worked with people with cancer for over 35 years – fi rst as an oncology nurse and then for the past 28 as CEO of cancer support charity Maggie’s – I have seen so many people trying to navigate this terrifying new landscape. In this book Liz gives people a no-nonsense guide to cancer, including what will and won’t work. I am sure it will prove to be an incredibly helpful roadmap for those coping with a diagnosis.”
Dame Laura Lee DBE, Chief Executive of cancer support charity Maggie’s
“A cancer diagnosis leaves you needing empathy and honesty. In her frank and hopeful book, Dr O’Riordan proves you don’t need to choose between them.”
Alan Levinovitz, Professor of Religion at JMU and author of Natural: The Seductive Myth of Nature’s Goodness
“Liz writes with such authority, knowledge and experience. Her clarity on how to deal with cancer is so valuable. All our lives will be touched by the disease in some way, so we could all do with a copy of this book.”
Dame Laura Lee DBE, Chief Executive of cancer support charity Maggie’s
“Liz’s experience as a breast cancer surgeon and patient means she is brilliantly placed to off er no-nonsense advice, support and guidance to those who are experiencing cancer of any kind. Those experiencing cancer need to know the facts and the realities about what they’re dealing with. Her perspective is invaluable to so many.”
Holly Campbell, Trekstock
Under The Knife
Under the Knife is my memoir. You may know me for part of my story – I wanted you to finally see the full picture.
All I’ve ever wanted to do is help people – from the age of seven, I knew I was going to be a doctor. Surgical training was hard. Have you ever wondered what it feels like to literally hold someone’s life in your hands? The highs were life-changing, but the lows were worse.
Surgery was a man’s world. Sexual harassment and bullying were commonplace. By the time I reached my thirties, I was ready to quit. The mild depression I’d had at medical school got worse and worse. Two things helped – antidepressants and alcohol.
Twenty years after starting medical school, I became a consultant breast surgeon. I loved my job, but I wasn’t prepared for the reality of telling ten women a day they had cancer. My depression spiralled out of control with suicidal thoughts. Six months later I was diagnosed with breast cancer myself and realised how little I actually knew.
This book is my way of completing the circle. I want to give something back to everyone who has supported me through the years – family, friends and my followers. By showing you how I coped when my life crashed around me, I want you to know that there is always hope.
“It’s hard to find the right words but I have dog-eared so many of the pages to go back to once my heart stops pounding… and I will just say thank you so much Liz for all of it.”
“Absolutely brilliant, beautifully written. I have cried and laughed and empathised with your journey. It is amazingly written with raw emotion and completely phenomenal.”
“Inspirational and thought provoking, honest account of Liz’s life as a surgeon and patient. She injects a sense of humour throughout her ordeal.”
“Liz has written the book that takes the fear away from the diagnosis that terrifies. She is honest and candid but inspirational too.”
“I’m not a natural reader but I read this book in one sitting. Thoughtful, inspiring, uplifting and engaging and thought provoking.”
“I could not put this book down. It provides an honest and thought provoking insight into a career into medicine. I have given it to my daughter, who is applying to study medicine.”
Just finished this superb, incredibly honest, inspiring book. Liz’s story is about so much more than being a surgeon or about having cancer, and her struggles will resonate with many.
The Complete Guide to Breast Cancer
The book you can trust to support you at every stage of your treatment – and beyond
Winner of best ‘Popular Medicine’ book, BMA Medical Book Awards 2019
Dr Liz O’Riordan, a Consultant Breast Cancer Surgeon, and Professor Trisha Greenhalgh, an academic GP, are not only outstanding doctors, but they have also experienced breast cancer first-hand.
The Complete Guide to Breast Cancer brings together all the knowledge they have gathered as patients and as doctors to give you and your family a trusted, thorough and up-to-date source of information. Designed to empower you during your breast cancer treatment, it covers:
Packed full of all the things the authors wished they’d known when they were diagnosed, and tips on how to cope with surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and beyond, this is the only book you need to read to guide you through your breast cancer diagnosis.
“I was given this by my friend when I was diagnosed in 2018 it was my absolute bible. So informative & helpful I have now passed this onto a friend who has just been diagnosed thank you.”
“I found your book incredibly helpful. I wish I had seen it when I was dealing with the diagnosis and through my treatment as it really helps you gain a better understanding of what is going on. It answers so many of the questions you have no one to ask. They should recommend it at all cancer hospitals.”
“Your book has been a life line for me following my diagnosis last April. It was clear and easy to understand and stopped me from googling! Thank you so much xx”
‘This book was such a comfort to me when I was diagnosed! I recommend it to friends now, thank you so much for writing it!”
“This is a wonderful book . I was scared to read some books or tweets in case they scared me , this book calmed me. Thank you.”
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