Dr Susan Love Obituary and Her Cause of Death as She Died at 75
By Alexander Ross
Dr. Susan Love, an American surgeon and prominent figure in the battle against breast cancer, passed away on July 2, 2023, in Los Angeles at the age of 75. The cause of her death was leukemia. Dr. Love challenged the paternalism prevalent in the medical establishment and revolutionized the research and treatment of breast cancer, saving countless lives in the process.
Born on February 9, 1948, in Long Branch, New Jersey, Susan Love faced early adversity when her pre-med adviser discouraged her from pursuing medicine, suggesting that her place should go to a young man. Undeterred, she obtained her medical degree from SUNY Downstate Medical School and completed her surgical residency at Beth Israel Medical Center in Boston.
In 1988, Dr. Love co-founded the Faulkner Breast Center at Faulkner Hospital, followed by the establishment of the Revlon UCLA Breast Center in 1992. She became a key figure in the fight against breast cancer in the early 1990s, writing the influential book “Dr. Susan Love’s Breast Book” in 1990. She also played a significant role in organizing the National Breast Cancer Coalition and served on the board of the Young Survival Coalition.
Dr. Love advocated for patients to have a better understanding of the science behind breast cancer treatment and challenged the paternalistic treatment of women by oncologists. She promoted breast-conserving surgery, raised awareness about the risks of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopausal women, and actively supported LGBTQIA+ rights. In 1993, she and her partner Dr. Helen Cooksey won a case before the Supreme Court of Massachusetts, which allowed them to become the first same-sex couple in the state to have a joint adoption.
Dr. Susan Love’s impact extended beyond her medical career. She transformed the doctor-patient relationship and pushed for women to be active participants in their treatment decisions. Her book, “Dr. Susan Love’s Breast Book,” became a go-to resource for breast cancer patients and has sold nearly half a million copies.
Dr. Love’s contributions to breast cancer research and advocacy earned her immense respect, even as she faced controversy and criticism for her opinions that challenged medical orthodoxy. She believed in the importance of understanding the underlying causes of breast cancer and aimed to prevent the disease at a cellular level.
Dr. Susan Love’s passing is a significant loss to the medical community and to all those whose lives she touched through her pioneering work in breast cancer research and treatment. Her legacy will continue to inspire and guide future efforts in the fight against breast cancer.
Alexander Ross has covered the video game industry for a decade, writing deep dives on game design, esports tournaments, VR developments, and gaming culture.
