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Jan 29, 2012

Jeffrey rated it:

The shame about David Servan-Schreiber's book "Anticancer" is that if you don't have cancer, you're unlikely to read it.

It's a shame because the book's recommendations for lifestyle changes apply to everyone, whether you're battling cancer or not.

Besides, everyone has cancer cells and everyone is bombarded with carcinogenes, so it behooves us to do all we can to protect our health in the face of these internal and external threats.

Servan-Schreiber More...

0 comments like (2 people liked it)

Sep 13, 2011

Erin rated it:

I love this book. I was already obsessed with learning about food, so I knew a lot of what was in here, but now that I'm fighting with my husband against his disease, I'm more than motivated to know what foods (and other issues) help and hurt the healing (and cancer-prevention) process. I've not eaten meat for almost two months, save for fish, and although I doubt I'll ever announce myself a vegetarian, I won't be surprised if I never eat meat again. This book is fantastic. Whether or not yo More...

1 comment like (3 people liked it)

Apr 20, 2011

Kelsey rated it:

READ THIS BOOK EVEN IF YOU DON'T HAVE CANCER! It absolutely changed my life. I refer to it as my "bible" and there are marks, bookmarks, tags, underlines, notes etc. all that I've added myself. Thankfully, my good friend gave me the most current edition with new research on CELL PHONE use. I don't have children myself, but I do have an 18 month niece who I adore in every way, shape and form, and I have told my brother and his wife to keep the cell phone AWAY from her. Until she's at le More...

0 comments like (4 people liked it)

Aug 02, 2011

Cindy added it

An amazing book that is full of fascinating FACTS based on scientific studies on ways to boost your immunity and fight off cancer with foods, changes in your immediate environment, and by enhancing the health of your mind-body connection. There are many things you can do that will make a difference in your odds of getting cancer and surviving it. After the author's own bout with brain cancer, he went searching for non-pharmaceutical things he could do to make a difference for himself and his o More...

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Jun 10, 2011

Edie rated it:

Another cancer book that I would recommend to anyone who wants to live a healthier lifestyle. The author is a physician who found out he himself had brain cancer by accident while working on clinical trials. This chronicles his journey and how his own diagnosis changed the way he conducted his research, and eventually his life. It advocates a holistic approach but the nutrition stuff is actually backed up by hard science. It's not a self-help book, but he does touch on the subject of how suc More...

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Nov 08, 2010

Judith rated it:

I don't have cancer, yet, that I know of. but i do like to keep up on the latest news in preventing it, and this book was a really good one. it is short, concise, readable, and informative. and it has a section in the middle that sums up the whole book, consisting of food to eat and to avoid; protecting yourself from carcinogens in the environment and in the household, and well as advice for exercise, stress reduction and other information. Current thinking is that it is not stress itself th More...

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Aug 19, 2009

Michael rated it:

Read my complete review on my blog at http://www.lifeemerging.com/blog/book-re... .

David Servan-Schreiber grew up in Paris. He became a doctor and scientist at the University of Pittsburgh. One day, his research subject failed to show up, so he volunteered to have a brain scan as part of the research study he was conducting with his colleagues. To his surprise,

he himself, discovered that he had brain cancer. And so begins a unique story - Schreiber's own journey through More...

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Apr 05, 2010

Sherry added it

"Gentle constant reliable presence is often the most beautiful gift our dear ones can give us." I am so glad Greg left this book behind at la Casa for awhile. (this is just one of the many magical things the grace here promotes without our ever pushing it) I have started reading it mostly in holding my sister, Cathy, closer than ever and wanting to understand her cancer if that's possible--tho it sounds like an oxymoron or some other form of putting words together that has the opposite More...

1 comment like (1 person liked it)

Mar 23, 2010

Ann rated it:

I'm sure I never would have been motivated to read this unless I'd had breast cancer this year, but that's probably true for many people who pick up a book with this title. The book was actually given to me by the lady who cleans my house. She is Brazilian and had heard of it, and when she gave it to me, early on in my chemo treatment, I put it aside, promising to myself that I would read it some day. Now I'm at the stage where I'm facing the "what next" in this illness, and I final More...

1 comment like (1 person liked it)

Feb 16, 2009

Darrick rated it:

A fantastic book for anyone who has cancer, or has a chance of getting cancer (that means you)! A bit repetitive at times, but I listened to the audio version; the text version might not have been so repetitive as it narrated all of the summary lists and suggestions.

The take away from this is to eat healthy, and exercise or there is a very good chance you'll either get cancer, or if you already have cancer, you'll die sooner. This book really makes the case (again) for eating organic More...

0 comments like (2 people liked it)

Dec 12, 2009

Jeremy rated it:

I try to be sparing with my FIVE STAR ratings, but this is certainly the most important book I read in 2009 and maybe in the past five years.
This book is for you if you've battled cancer, know someone who has, or it is a part of your family tree - in other words this book is for everyone.
DSS has an amazing story (brain cancer survivor), incredible background (neuropyschiatrist, MD, PHD), and very strong pen. This book does three things that are so vital in today's society of ever-inc More...

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Jan 01, 2011

Arminius rated it:

This book is a wonderful roadmap to living life at it's fullest. It is also Dr. Servan-Schreiber's theory on ways to defeat the dreaded disease of cancer. Most have been talked about by others but he describes the way white blood cells can attack cancer cells. There actually is a picture of this in this book. Exercise, organic food, positive thoughts, meditation, yoga, massage and vitamins are part of his prescription.

One thing that stood out was his claim that curcuma with pepper a More...

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Nov 28, 2010

Sarah rated it:

I listened to this book on my 'Eastern Wisconsin Tour' this weekend. So far, I like it. It reinforces the ideas presented by Michael Pollan in his book, 'In Defense of Food,' and Barbara Kingsolver's 'Animal, Vegetable, Miracle.'

I'm glad I listened to this book, and would like a copy to reference some of the foods and ideas shared. I liked how this book further reinforces the food 'monoculture' of corn and soybeans being a dangerous way to live and grow. High fructose corn syru More...

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Jun 17, 2011

Jonette rated it:

EVERYONE needs to read this book, especially those who don't have cancer as it can help you in avoiding it! And if you get it, how to help heal from it. Dr. Servan-Schreiber shows that those afflicted with the disease who take an active role and make necessary life style changes have the best chance to beat it while those who simply follow the doctors protocols do not. The information is remarkable and approached from the viewpoint of a cancer researcher and MD who 'accidentally' found out he ha More...

0 comments like (1 person liked it)

Mar 02, 2009

Laura rated it:

This is a great book for everyone to read about the connection between American lifestyle choices and the prevalence of cancer. It was written by a doctor who researched what he could do to improve his odds against brain cancer. What he found was a change in diet, exercise, mental well being, and stress scientifically improves the odds of survival. Most of it is very logical-- improve your overall health, and your body will be better able to fight the disease. So, kick out the refined sugars an More...

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May 06, 2011

Deb rated it:

In an extraordinarily readable way Servan-Schreiber describes his extensive research into ways people can prevent relapse of cancer, maybe even preventing it before it begins. All people have cancer cells, but some people have a "terrain" that either promotes or prevents their growth. He shows how lifestyle and environment can change this terrain and make one's immunology stronger.

Not surprisingly, his prescription involves nutrition, exercise and a lessening of stresses in l More...

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Jan 29, 2012

Katie rated it:

A really interesting, positive, action-oriented, evidence-based book - one that should be read by everyone, not just those with cancer (although especially by anyone who does receive such a diagnosis). I am healthy, but am already making changes and thinking differently after reading this.

0 comments like (1 person liked it)

Apr 01, 2011

Jean rated it:

Learned a lot about how to eat better. Here is the list I made based on advice from the book.

Green Tea – has to steep 10 min and be drunk within an hour
Agave nectar – (reduce white sugar, honey, brown sugar, maple syrup)
Olive oil – 1 tablespoon a day, don’t bring to smoke point (bad if used at high heat)
Spices - Turmeric – has to be mixed with a generous pinch of black pepper and olive oil (add agave nectar to remove slightly bitter taste). Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano, Basi More...

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Feb 06, 2012

Karyn rated it:

I recommend this book to everyone who tells me they have a friend or loved one diagnosed with cancer. It is a book, though, that everyone should read. The medical field only knows so much about cancer, but it is apparent from the studies and results discussed in the book that our lifestyles can contribute to us becoming sick or in helping us to remain healthy. All factors from what we eat and what is in our environment to our mental health and physical activity contribute to our overall health, More...

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Jan 10, 2009

Megan rated it:

READ THIS BOOK. The health information it provides (physical, emotional, spiritual) goes beyond the scope of cancer to encompass all bodily well-being. This is a poignant, meaningful, scrupulously well-researched book. It is life-changing. I can't emphasize more how necessary this information is. I read a lot of about health and nutrition and found this to be not only a great summary of things I already knew, but full of new insights and prescriptions. I couldn't put it down. This is a health bo More...

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May 20, 2011

Amy rated it:

The author is a doctor/researcher who developed a brain tumor and then dealt with treatment and recurrence. He explains in great and accessible detail why nutrition plays a vital role in preventing cancer and in getting rid of it. I have never read such a clear argument for why we should eat certain foods and avoid others. He uses the science to show, for example, why we should stay away from sugar. It causes inflammation and inflammation creates a nice terrain for cancer to grow. He also gives More...

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May 19, 2011

Barbara added it

Excellent read, lots of focus on balance of traditional Western treatment and what is being learned about integrative and wholistic. Balanced and sensible, with a nice story underlying. Well documented, so lots of references (e.g. on turmeric enhancing chemo effects). Lots of good data, reasonably presented, with sound arguments as to why much of this approach has not been accepted in the past and how it can better be utilized. I would encourage most cancer patients to read this ---- and More...

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Jun 13, 2009

Cheri rated it:

I think this was a very informative book and I learned a lot of interesting things.
At the same time I find it very sad that doctors only seem to recognize how wrong the current medical system is in regards to cancer only when they get cancer themselves.
It drives me insane to hear doctors say diet has nothing to do with cancer. They tell cancer patients to eat what ever they want. In the waiting rooms of major cancer hospitals they come around with carts giving soda and cookies wi More...

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Dec 11, 2008

Ardella rated it:

This book is extremely sensible. It is very well-written, to start with, and is an enjoyable read in its own right. In addition, it gives solid advice, telling people to combine a good diet with medical treatment for cancer. I also like the fact that it cites many studies--this is not some kind of "kook" book that advocates stupid methods for treating yourself. For those to whom it matters, the author is not religious (he's not anti-religious, either), so practicing Christians need to More...

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Dec 04, 2009

Stephany rated it:

Please: Save yourself four years scouring Medline and buy this book. Four years is approximately the amount of time it took for me to find about half of the scientific literature in this book. Later, if anyone says "But there's no scientific evidence that you can fight cancer naturally!" you'll be armed with a tome of evidence to the contrary.

The author is a straddler, and I admit I'm partial to straddlers. His expertise and experience have made him someone who comfortab More...

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Aug 05, 2008

Emrue added it

I picked up an advance at BEA. Excellent. Advocates both traditional western and non-traditional therapies for cancer treatment and prevention.

0 comments like (1 person liked it)

Sep 02, 2010

Elisabeth rated it:

This is a great book for anyone with cancer or who wants to prevent cancer. It describes the most current thinking about how cancer forms, and then goes into detail about how to augment conventional treatment with support of the "terrain" - the body and the mind - through diet, exercise, and mindfulness.

Throughout, the author describes his own experience with cancer, and how he transitioned from thinking that his only options were to tackle cancer with surgery and chemothe More...

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Aug 13, 2009

Karen rated it:

A mesmerizing book for me. I don't have cancer but as the author, a scientist and doctor himself stricken with a re-occurance of cancer teaches us, we are at all times either fighting or feeding the cancers growing in our bodies. They are almost inevitably there to be combated or nourished. His essential argument that you are what you eat has FINALLY hit home with me. I think of everything I put in my mouth now and I know that I am either healthier or sicker because of each bite tak More...

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Apr 27, 2009

Robert rated it:

The book is not organized that smoothly and jumps around from diet/science, to his personal experience, to emotional ways to cope with cancer, back to diet etc. Post conclusion is another chapter on the potential danger of cell phone usage. I thought the data and dietary suggestions to prevent and combat cancer were excellent. Upshot: less refined carbs/sugars - more dark veggies and fruits. Less transfats and chemicals, more organic. Less meat. More exercise. Strong mental health. Focus More...

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Oct 16, 2011

Diana rated it:

This book was amazing! It reads like a novel because the author integrates the story of his own battle with cancer into his discussion of the science and medicine. I just happened to pick it up because I saw it in the library, and knew that it had been rated well on Amazon. I am so glad that I did. It was a real eye-opener. After reading the first chapter I sped off to Whole Foods to buy vegetables high in antioxidants, and have been looking with suspicion at the cleaning fluids under the k More...

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