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Anticancer: A New Way of Life Kindle Edition

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 2,651 ratings
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The revolutionary, New York Times bestselling guide to the powerful lifestyle changes that fight and prevent cancer—an integrative approach based on the latest scientific research
 
“A common-sense blueprint for healthy living.” —Chicago Tribune
 
“Resonating with cancer support communities and recommended nationwide.” —Los Angeles Times
 
“Life affirming . . . filled with practical advice.” —The Seattle Times
 
David Servan-Schreiber was a rising neuroscientist with his own brain imaging laboratory when, in the middle of an equipment test, he discovered a tumor the size of a walnut in his own brain. Forced to confront what medicine knows about cancer, and all that we still do not know, Servan-Schreiber marshaled his will to live and set out to understand the complex inner workings of the body’s natural cancer-fighting capabilities. He soon found himself on a decades-long journey from disease and relapse into scientific exploration and, finally, a new view of health.
 
Anticancer is at once the moving story of one doctor’s inner and outer search for wellness and a radical exposition of the roles that lifestyle, environment, and trauma play in our health. Drawing on the latest research in integrative medicine that blends conventional and alternative approaches, Servan-Schreiber concisely explains what makes cancer cells thrive, what inhibits them, and how we can empower ourselves to prevent their growth. His advice details how to develop a science-based anticancer diet (and the small changes that can make a big difference); how to reap the benefits of exercise, yoga, and meditation; which toxic, unsafe products to replace in your home; and how to stave off the effects of helplessness and unhealed wounds to regain balance.
 
Anticancer’s synthesis of science and personal experience marks a transformation in the way we understand and confront cancer. A long-running bestseller that has changed the lives of millions around the world, Anticancer remains a pioneering and peerless resource, an inspirational and revolutionary guide to “a new way of life.”
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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

After undergoing chemotherapy and surgery for brain cancer, Servan-Schreiber, a clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, asked his oncologist if any lifestyle changes would prevent a relapse; the answer was no. Certain this was wrong, Servan-Schreiber spent months researching a mass of scientific data on natural defenses against cancer. After a lucid introduction to cancer and its causes, he points out studies indicating that a poor diet, unhealthy habits (like smoking), some hormones, and environmental toxins increase risk. But as his advice grows more specific, evidence dwindles that these steps work. Eating organic foods, avoiding red meat and processed food, and eliminating household chemicals seem reasonable, but readers curious about how much turmeric or garlic to consume and how much it lowers their cancer risk will find no answers. Servan-Schreiber also advocates a positive, life-affirming attitude, illustrating with anecdotes of patients whose cancers disappeared when they attained inner peace. Servan-Schreiber underscores that his advice should be an adjunct to, not a replacement for, conventional treatments like surgery and chemotherapy, in this spirited mixture of good medical information, helpful suggestions and alternative medicine. (Sept. 22) ""
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved."

From Booklist

*Starred Review* If anyone has the cred, professional and street, to discuss cancer prevention and survival, it is Servan-Schreiber, clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, cofounder of Doctors Without Borders, and 15-year brain cancer survivor. That he chooses to talk about, even promote, certain environmental, dietary, and emotional adjustments one can make in one’s life that can mitigate suspected carcinogenic influences makes this a slightly controversial book. Typical of his demeanor, though, as researcher-teacher rather than practitioner, he addresses the controversy head-on, cautioning his critics to note that he does not promote these life adjustments in lieu of conventional medical interventions such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. He promotes them in addition to, as a support for, traditional treatments. He calls them anticancer practices. Stay away from white sugar and flour. Eat more cruciferous vegetables and dark-colored fruits. Get regular exercise, and take up yoga or some other form of meditation. These practices made for him a new way of life that he claims helped him beat cancer twice and, he believes, once and for all. This has been a best-seller in France and may well become a valuable resource about personal wars waged on cancer in this country, as well. --Donna Chavez

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B002YER008
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Penguin Books; Reprint edition (November 23, 2009)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 23, 2009
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 14755 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 289 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 2,651 ratings

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David Servan-Schreiber
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David Servan-Schreiber, M.D., Ph.D., is a clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and cofounder of the Center for Integrative Medicine.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
2,651 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book provides valuable information on cancer and its causes. They find it easy to read and understand, with clear recommendations for healthy living. The book inspires hope and courage for readers. It is described as honest, candid, and realistic without making outrageous claims. Readers appreciate the charts, graphs, and tables that help them understand.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

713 customers mention "Information quality"708 positive5 negative

Customers appreciate the book's useful information and easy reading style. They find it covers important points like inflammation as a root cause of cancer. The author ties together all aspects of life, not just what we eat. Readers feel they have learned a lot about cancer and how to ward it off. They appreciate the holistic view on the whole person with a view to cancer.

"...of maintaining good health - the author, himself a doctor and survivor of brain cancer, looks in a new direction for an answer to "living with cancer..." Read more

"...He thus authentically understands the human impact of cancer and he doesn't hesitate to share the fundamental life lessons he has learned from his..." Read more

"This book explains, with scientific backing, specific and easy to follow strategies that increase the odds of living with cancer and surviving longer..." Read more

"...Anything regarding EFT will be helpful with your energy work: [...] Also, Bill Henderson's classic "Cancer-Free" is recommended...." Read more

573 customers mention "Readability"555 positive18 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and understand. They say it's well-written in an understandable language. The ideas are expressed elegantly and simply, providing relief, understanding, hope, and forgiveness.

"...The author's explanations are technical, but in understandable language...." Read more

"...I therefore think that this book is MANDATORY reading for cancer patients and caregivers, and I highly recommend it to everyone else as well..." Read more

"This book explains, with scientific backing, specific and easy to follow strategies that increase the odds of living with cancer and surviving longer..." Read more

"I love this book. So much useful information and very easy to read" Read more

245 customers mention "Nutrition"245 positive0 negative

Customers find the book provides practical advice on eating healthier. They mention it raises their awareness about organic foods, drinking green tea, and eating free-range meat. The book offers suggestions for foods that have been shown to be effective against cancer.

"...cancer growth, they feel less helpless and this itself promotes their own internal defenses. Feeling helpless is a strong marker for cancer growth...." Read more

"...He reiterates the strong case that proper diet can make a huge difference, not just for cancer but also for health overall. 6...." Read more

"...backing, specific and easy to follow strategies that increase the odds of living with cancer and surviving longer, with a higher quality of life...." Read more

"...So it looks at the role that diet, nutrition, exercise, lifestyle such as stress plays in an individual's ability to develop cancer and survive..." Read more

31 customers mention "Hope"31 positive0 negative

Customers find the book inspiring and hopeful. They appreciate the author's courage to face mortality head-on and his perspective on the importance of a good attitude. The book is well-researched, compassionate, and humane. Readers mention it has lessened their fear of what may come.

"...The book also deals with the ultimate inevitability of death. We all will die, whether we have cancer or not...." Read more

"...He even has the courage to confront the issue of mortality head on, and I found his perspective on this to be wise and quite helpful...." Read more

"...It also shares real human stories with understanding and compassion. My daughter suggested this book to me...." Read more

"...So it looks at the role that diet, nutrition, exercise, lifestyle such as stress plays in an individual's ability to develop cancer and survive..." Read more

22 customers mention "Authenticity"22 positive0 negative

Customers find the book honest and candid. They say it's full of real hope for those with cancer. The author provides accurate scientific information and is a voice of sanity, explaining the merits of both sides. The book is a legitimate and good read for anyone looking for a better way to deal with cancer.

"...It is discovery, philosophy and profoundly human...." Read more

"...From this data, he can confidently and convincingly advise what to eat or avoid, what exercises at what rates and time, what household and beauty..." Read more

"very honest and candid as it is written by a Dr who suffered from brain cancer himself and lived 20 years post his cancer diagnosis. ...." Read more

"Sincere and well researched. This book is an affirmation of life...." Read more

22 customers mention "Chart content"22 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's charts and graphs easy to understand. They appreciate the colorful, slick-paged lists and charts for quick reference. The author includes nice graphs and tables to help readers understand. The book is well organized and summarizes each example cleanly.

"...The book is very easy to follow and the pull out charts in this book are perfect for breaking things down for people who might feel overwhelmed with..." Read more

"...The center color insert is great, it has a chart and a scale of food from most contaminated (pesticides and other chemicals) to least, this helped..." Read more

"...well documented, practical guide on how to eat, think, and live in a fashion that the majority of Americans have forgotten...." Read more

"...section has colorful, slick-paged lists and charts conveniently located for quick reference; the rest of the book is in a friendly, accessible style..." Read more

22 customers mention "Narrative quality"22 positive0 negative

Customers find the narrative compelling and engaging. They find the personal story moving and well-written, with happy endings. The book offers a riveting plot that blends scientific facts and life choices. Readers appreciate the interesting anecdotes of good outcomes from eating properly. Overall, the book provides a heartfelt yet rational approach to dealing with past hurts.

"...patients learn ways to reduce their risk of cancer growth, they feel less helpless and this itself promotes their own internal defenses...." Read more

"...There's just so much information, and some wonderful stories with happy endings...." Read more

"This book presents a compelling and moving personal story of the author-doctor's battle with cancer and his research into how to fight and keep the..." Read more

"...three approaches, I am so far having improved quality of life, less discomfort, and am able to enjoy increased vitality every day, though my cancer..." Read more

21 customers mention "Longevity"21 positive0 negative

Customers find the book helpful for surviving and living a long life after cancer. It provides tools, hope, and a plan to increase survival odds. The author has survived cancer and has great insight into what to eat for prevention. The book is a guide for patients, survivors, and family members to improve their health and quality of life.

"...strategies that increase the odds of living with cancer and surviving longer, with a higher quality of life...." Read more

"...I love the power it gives the patient to help in their battle for survival...." Read more

"...very important to implement on a daily basis to ensure health and longevity!" Read more

"...He believed theses changes extended his life for +-20 years beyond the usual 3-6 month death sentence that typically came with the type of cancer..." Read more

Excelente libro, tapa delgada
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Excelente libro, tapa delgada
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2010
    Cancer. The very word inspires fear in most of us, and despite a declared "War on Cancer" in the US begun way back in 1971, clearly we have lost the war. While charity events are constantly raising money for research, the medical industry is always encouraging use of screening tests for various types of cancer and drug companies push new and ever-more-expensive drugs, none of this has stemmed the tide of cancer. In this book - the most helpful book I've ever read on the subject of maintaining good health - the author, himself a doctor and survivor of brain cancer, looks in a new direction for an answer to "living with cancer."

    In the view of Servan-Schreiber, cancer is a chronic disease which took on epidemic proportions after World War II because of changes in our environment. Cancer begins with micro tumors, which we all have, but some grow into bigger tumors that can invade other parts of our body, leading to disease and death. Or, they can remain small and harmless. Surprisingly, we can do a great deal to ensure that these micro tumors remain small and harmless.

    I learned about this book from a Nutritionist who was part of a team treating my husband when he had a melanoma removed from his arm. She strongly recommended the book, so I looked it up on Amazon and ordered it. I'm glad I did. The book is just the right mix of the author's own story of the life events surrounding his cancer and the changes he pursued to keep himself alive despite a gloomy prognosis. I could totally identify with him when he explained that his Oncologist, in response to his question about what he could do to help himself, answered, "There is nothing you can do. Just go about your normal life." The author could not believe there was really nothing he could do to help himself get better, and that attitude on the part of doctors keeps people feeling helpless and hopeless. It seems to me that doctors are conditioned to do their tests, check their data and prescribe treatments, but they seem to know (and care?) nothing about how we can help ourselves to live healthier lives.

    Fortunately for us, Servan-Schreiber, himself a physician, researcher and cancer victim, has amassed a huge amount of information in this book. Having to go from the lofty position of doctor to the helpless position of patient gave the author a new kind of empathy with other people struggling with illness. For himself, he made use of conventional treatments (surgery, chemo) and continued working as a physician. But he also began researching exactly how cancer does its damage, and found evidence that the immune system can sometimes defeat cancer's growth. He tells us about "mighty mouse," a lab animal who was supposed to die from the enormous number of cancer cells injected into him, but didn't die; instead, his own bodily resources defeated the cancer cells. Like mighty mouse, we too all have "natural killer" (NK) cells that fend off invading tumors. How can we encourage and strengthen our own natural defenses? We need to deny the tumors what they need to grow. The author's explanations are technical, but in understandable language.

    In any discussion of cancer, most of the conversation is around treatment. But there is another area just as important and probably more so and that is what the author calls our "terrain." This is our own body and the way we treat it. Do we live in a healthy environment? Do we ingest only healthy food? Are we aware of the effects of these on our body? Do we help our body through movement or are we passive and unaware of the effects of our daily living on our body? The discussion of food is particularly helpful, since changing our diet is something we can all do. We can learn which foods and spices discourage cancer growth and which feed it. For example, eating more vegetables and less meat, and drinking green tea can keep us healthier. We can cook with virgin olive oil and get to know a yellow spice, Turmeric, which is a powerful antiinflammatory. Turmeric is a large component of curry, so we can learn to enjoy Indian food (Indians have far less cancer than we in the US, despite their exposure to numerous carcinogens in their environment).

    Once a sarcastic critic of alternative healing methods, the author does an about-face as he discovers the power of meditation and mindfulness. When patients learn ways to reduce their risk of cancer growth, they feel less helpless and this itself promotes their own internal defenses. Feeling helpless is a strong marker for cancer growth. But becoming calm and aware can actually build defenses. He recommends regular practice of yoga or tai chi or similar practices to build inner awareness and strengthen the body. Having connections to others, dealing with emotions, and believing you have the ability to help yourself all point to a better outcome.

    The book has a center section of color charts showing in detail which foods promote and which retard tumor development. There is also information on household products to avoid and what to substitute. This is a book to keep on the shelf and consult on a regular basis.

    The book also deals with the ultimate inevitability of death. We all will die, whether we have cancer or not. The author relates a number of helpful stories of people who were able to find meaning in their final months of life through the methods explained in this book, which are not offered as a "magic bullet," but as a way of living that enhances each precious day of life, making us more aware of our own bodies and the beauty of the world around us, and helps us to connect to all living things. It is not "false hope," but, as the book's subtitle states, "a new way of life." A way of life in which we take control of our bodies, our feelings, our lives.
    61 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2009
    Overall, this is a superb book on cancer prevention and treatment. Regarding the technical content:

    1. Servan-Schreiber advocates complementary/alternative medicine (CAM) approaches in addition to conventional treatments, not instead of them. Most people who have looked extensively into these matters agree with him (including me). While there may be rare instances of cancer cure or long-term survival using CAM alone, I believe that an integrative approach is the best option for most people.

    2. His discussion of conventional treatments is very limited, so the book clearly focuses on CAM approaches.

    3. He provides some useful background regarding cancer biology, but doesn't go into too much depth. In that regard, this book is clearly written for people who don't have a biomedical background. He correctly puts some emphasis on issues such as the role of chronic inflammation; immunosurveillance; glucose, insulin, and IGF levels; angiogenesis; and the need to target redundant biochemical pathways via combination therapy. Much of this relates to what he and others have called "terrain."

    4. He provides some useful discussion on minimizing exposure to environmental toxins. I see this information as being most relevant to cancer prevention, rather than treatment or prevention of recurrence, but perhaps it plays a significant role in the latter also.

    5. His discussion of diet is quite good and is consistent with the many other books on this subject. He reiterates the strong case that proper diet can make a huge difference, not just for cancer but also for health overall.

    6. I was surprised to see that he has very limited discussion on supplements. There's very strong evidence that particular supplements can help with particular types of cancer, and most people familiar with the extensive literature on this subject advocate use of supplements, sometimes in fairly high doses (especially for aggressive cancers). For example, a randomized study by Lissoni et al (1996, PMID 8570130) involving glioblastoma patients (same type of brain tumor as Senator Kennedy) showed that adding the supplement melatonin to radiotherapy increased 1-year survival to 6 out of 14 patients, compared to only 1 out of 16 patients for radiotherapy alone.

    7. His discussion of mind-body and psychosocial approaches is excellent and is much more extensive than what I've read in other cancer books. And I guess this shouldn't be surprising given that Servan-Schreiber is an MD/PhD neuropsychiatrist.

    8. He correctly highlights the importance of exercise, which can make a very big difference (yet even people who recognize the importance of diet often don't pay much attention to exercise). One consideration to emphasize is that it's also important not to overdo exercise; for example, I don't think cancer patients should be trying to run marathons.

    Beyond the technical content, what really takes this book to the next level, revealing it to be a labor of love, is Servan-Schreiber's personal story as a brain tumor patient himself. He thus authentically understands the human impact of cancer and he doesn't hesitate to share the fundamental life lessons he has learned from his own experiences and reflections, as well as from talking with other cancer patients. He even has the courage to confront the issue of mortality head on, and I found his perspective on this to be wise and quite helpful. Suffice it to say that I was nearly moved to tears several times during the course of this book (I lost my mother to a brain tumor not so long ago, so I know this journey all too well).

    To summarize, Servan-Schreiber doesn't comprehensively address every aspect of cancer prevention or treatment, nor does he claim to, but he does cover a great deal of important ground addressing both the technical and humanistic dimensions of the issue. I therefore think that this book is MANDATORY reading for cancer patients and caregivers, and I highly recommend it to everyone else as well (for cancer prevention and general health). Regarding how to tackle this book, I suggest first listening to the unabridged audiobook (my local library has three copies) to get a sense of the lay of the land, and then reading the print version to absorb details and for general reference. Also be sure to check out the website/blog associated with the book.

    Several related books which I also recommend are:

    - Life Over Cancer: The Block Center Program for Integrative Cancer Treatment
    - Surviving Terminal Cancer: Clinical Trials, Drug Cocktails, and Other Treatments Your Oncologist Won't Tell You About
    - Foods to Fight Cancer: Essential foods to help prevent cancer
    - Natural Strategies For Cancer Patients
    - How to Prevent and Treat Cancer with Natural Medicine
    - Beating Cancer with Nutrition, book with CD
    - Integrative Oncology (Weil Integrative Medicine Library)
    - Natural Compounds in Cancer Therapy: Promising Nontoxic Antitumor Agents From Plants & Other Natural Sources
    - Herbal Medicine, Healing & Cancer
    42 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Analí ixta olivares
    5.0 out of 5 stars Buenaso
    Reviewed in Mexico on November 6, 2019
    Llegó en muy buen estado el día de hoy muy temprano ya voy casi a la mitad y es muy bueno su contenido, bases científicas , y me encantó como nutrióloga clínica que soy realmente es bueno y fundamentado su contenido.
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    Analí ixta olivares
    5.0 out of 5 stars Buenaso
    Reviewed in Mexico on November 6, 2019
    Llegó en muy buen estado el día de hoy muy temprano ya voy casi a la mitad y es muy bueno su contenido, bases científicas , y me encantó como nutrióloga clínica que soy realmente es bueno y fundamentado su contenido.
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  • stewie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excepcional
    Reviewed in Spain on December 13, 2020
    Lo que he aprendido en este libro es increíble. Sin duda una compra obligatoria aunque no tengas cancer.
  • Dunroving
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent life-changing advice
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 30, 2018
    I was introduced to this book by someone I met while in hospital after surgery for a broken elbow. He was in post-surgery for oral and jaw cancer. This book could easily be titled "How to take action to improve your health", as many of the behaviour changes have benefits for health and wellness in general. The book is a very personal one (the author was himself diagnosed with caner at an early age), very well-written and authoritative (the author is a medic), and the information is trustworthy (the author is a research scientist an everything is based on well-conducted empirical studies). The latter should not put anyone off, as the book is eminently readable. If everyone read this book and put it into practice, the NHS budget could be vastly reduced and hospitals and ambulances would not be stretched to the max.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Cordell Short
    5.0 out of 5 stars A handbook on maximising health to best manage cancer.
    Reviewed in Australia on December 17, 2024
    Based on sound medical reasoning this treatise explores the impact of diet, nutrition, healthy lifestyle, exercise and inner peace on minimising and managing the impact of cancer. It’s compellingly written and captures your attention. It’s a handbook available as a ready reference whenever needing to recall a fact or facet of the explored aspects of the book, important to you to maintain your motivation to manage or minimise the impact of your cancer. It’s a compelling life tool. With an emphasis on insight and motivation.
  • Unbekannt
    5.0 out of 5 stars A really good book! I can only recommend reading it!
    Reviewed in Germany on July 6, 2018
    Great book! A must read for anyone interested in how cancer works and how diet not only can prevent it, but also positively influence its course once diagnosed with it.

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