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Anticancer Living: Transform Your Life and Health with the Mix of Six
The evidence is in: you can reduce cancer risk and support treatment by focusing on six key areas of health and wellness.
The scientific data on the link between lifestyle, environmental factors, and cancer risk has been accumulating at an accelerated rate over the past decade: Every week we learn something more that we can do as individuals to decrease the risk of can-cer and improve the likelihood of long-term survival. Many of us--patients and doctors included--do not realize that changes in our daily choices and habits can improve quality of life, increase the chances of survival, and aid in the healing process for those with a diagnosis. These ideas were pioneered in David Servan-Schreiber's Anticancer: A New Way of Life, and became the basis for a research study developed by Lorenzo Cohen and Servan-Schreiber at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Introducing the concept of the "Mix of Six," Cohen and Alison Jefferies make an informed case that building social and emotional support; manag-ing stress; improving sleep, exercise, and diet; and minimizing exposure to environmental toxins work together to promote an optimal environment for health and well-being. While each plays an inde-pendent role, the synergy created by all six factors can radically transform health; delay or prevent many cancers; support conventional treatments; and significantly improve quality of life--as many testi-monies and stories of those in the anticancer com-munity eloquently show.
Anticancer Living provides an accessible, pre-scriptive guide to wellness based on the latest scien-tific findings and clinical trials, and it showcases the community of doctors, researchers, caregivers, and patients who have been inspired to create change.
*Includes a Bonus PDF with charts, graphs, chapter summaries, and appendices.
The scientific data on the link between lifestyle, environmental factors, and cancer risk has been accumulating at an accelerated rate over the past decade: Every week we learn something more that we can do as individuals to decrease the risk of can-cer and improve the likelihood of long-term survival. Many of us--patients and doctors included--do not realize that changes in our daily choices and habits can improve quality of life, increase the chances of survival, and aid in the healing process for those with a diagnosis. These ideas were pioneered in David Servan-Schreiber's Anticancer: A New Way of Life, and became the basis for a research study developed by Lorenzo Cohen and Servan-Schreiber at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Introducing the concept of the "Mix of Six," Cohen and Alison Jefferies make an informed case that building social and emotional support; manag-ing stress; improving sleep, exercise, and diet; and minimizing exposure to environmental toxins work together to promote an optimal environment for health and well-being. While each plays an inde-pendent role, the synergy created by all six factors can radically transform health; delay or prevent many cancers; support conventional treatments; and significantly improve quality of life--as many testi-monies and stories of those in the anticancer com-munity eloquently show.
Anticancer Living provides an accessible, pre-scriptive guide to wellness based on the latest scien-tific findings and clinical trials, and it showcases the community of doctors, researchers, caregivers, and patients who have been inspired to create change.
*Includes a Bonus PDF with charts, graphs, chapter summaries, and appendices.
Audio CD
Published May 1, 2018
221 people are currently reading
461 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
March 15, 2018
As a two-time cancer survivor, I found this book to be full of empowering information and ideas for those of us who have had cancer, and those who wish to prevent it. Also applicable for anyone who loves and/or is caring for someone in the midst of a cancer journey right now. I have read MANY books on cancer prevention and this is one of the very best. It is written with intelligence and compassion, and includes many research studies that corroborate the suggestions the authors are making for ways to minimize the chance of a cancer diagnosis.
I was able to read this book for free from NetGalley, and am grateful to the publisher and the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was able to read this book for free from NetGalley, and am grateful to the publisher and the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 10, 2018
This book is a very good source of information and inspirational. Thank you to the author and the publisher for this opportunity to read this book.
May 9, 2023
We know the attributes of healthy living but it is always good to listen to a refresher! Cancer is so prevalent in our society and I want to do all in my power to never have it!
Here are my favorite quotes from the book:
People who have a purpose in life tend to be happier and healthier than their counterparts who are less purpose driven. They also tend to be more connected to their community and to form deeper bonds with friends which research shows has an effect on their health down to their cellular level.
Vast amount of sugar added to foods to replace the fat
It is hard to ignore or downplay the path to cancer through diabetes
We know inflammation fuels cancer growth
Knowing what we know about the addictive qualities of foods high in sodium, sugar and fat we should not be offering any health depleting meals to our patients and staff
We have all been held hostage for too long by false arguments
Highly processed food has the same effects on the brain as cocaine or heroin
No one is tempted to binge eat Brussel Sprouts or carrots
Here are my favorite quotes from the book:
People who have a purpose in life tend to be happier and healthier than their counterparts who are less purpose driven. They also tend to be more connected to their community and to form deeper bonds with friends which research shows has an effect on their health down to their cellular level.
Vast amount of sugar added to foods to replace the fat
It is hard to ignore or downplay the path to cancer through diabetes
We know inflammation fuels cancer growth
Knowing what we know about the addictive qualities of foods high in sodium, sugar and fat we should not be offering any health depleting meals to our patients and staff
We have all been held hostage for too long by false arguments
Highly processed food has the same effects on the brain as cocaine or heroin
No one is tempted to binge eat Brussel Sprouts or carrots
August 1, 2021
Empowering and eye-opening to learn all the ways cancer can be fought and prevented by (relatively) simple lifestyle changes. There was a great deal of clinical evidence, which I often skimmed to get to the actual recommendations.
April 21, 2018
I would like to express my gratitude to the publisher, Penguin Group Viking and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of Anticancer Living, by Lorenzo Cohen, PhD and Alison Jefferies, MEd
in exchange for my honest review.
The co-author, Lorenzo Cohen, is the director of the Integrative Medicine Program at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston Texas. Do I need to say more, …. I don’t think so!!
The premise of Anticancer Living, is that lifestyle should be a key part of comprehensive cancer treatment along side traditional medical treatments such as surgery radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapies. In Dr. Lorenzo’s words “self-care is health care” and it is a “low-cost option”. Given the high cost of medical care, I highly agree with him. In these modern times, with our high stress jobs and information overload, and choosing convenience over what is good for us, self-care is more important than ever.
Dr. Cohen states that cancer treatment should be focus on healing rather than curing, which leads us back to nature and living more simple and healthy lives even while undergoing treatment.
In his integrative approach he outlines the importance of the Mix of Six, which are 6 lifestyles areas; social, support, stress, sleep, diet and exercise. He uses real life anecdotes of patients to annotate not only the importance of the Mix of Six, but also the importance of their interdependent relationship to successfully gain the goal of anticancer living.
This new approach to cancer prevention and general healthy living is gaining more and more ground and therefore is the topic is so relevant and timely.
Anticancer Living, is very easy to read and well organized which are other great strength of this book. Last but not least, the two appendices, are also great assets to this book, especially the Eating by Food Groups and for the science buffs around us the Cancer Hallmark Explained, which referenced a simple explanation of how cancer cells develop and progress.
I highly recommend this book and will referenced in weeks and years to come while I continue to make steps to attain this great lifestyle. This book is a must have in the library of every family and medical professionals.
in exchange for my honest review.
The co-author, Lorenzo Cohen, is the director of the Integrative Medicine Program at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston Texas. Do I need to say more, …. I don’t think so!!
The premise of Anticancer Living, is that lifestyle should be a key part of comprehensive cancer treatment along side traditional medical treatments such as surgery radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapies. In Dr. Lorenzo’s words “self-care is health care” and it is a “low-cost option”. Given the high cost of medical care, I highly agree with him. In these modern times, with our high stress jobs and information overload, and choosing convenience over what is good for us, self-care is more important than ever.
Dr. Cohen states that cancer treatment should be focus on healing rather than curing, which leads us back to nature and living more simple and healthy lives even while undergoing treatment.
In his integrative approach he outlines the importance of the Mix of Six, which are 6 lifestyles areas; social, support, stress, sleep, diet and exercise. He uses real life anecdotes of patients to annotate not only the importance of the Mix of Six, but also the importance of their interdependent relationship to successfully gain the goal of anticancer living.
This new approach to cancer prevention and general healthy living is gaining more and more ground and therefore is the topic is so relevant and timely.
Anticancer Living, is very easy to read and well organized which are other great strength of this book. Last but not least, the two appendices, are also great assets to this book, especially the Eating by Food Groups and for the science buffs around us the Cancer Hallmark Explained, which referenced a simple explanation of how cancer cells develop and progress.
I highly recommend this book and will referenced in weeks and years to come while I continue to make steps to attain this great lifestyle. This book is a must have in the library of every family and medical professionals.
July 30, 2018
This book is based on the premise that there are 6 keys to preventing cancer, and to making cancer less likely to recur once you have it: (1) strong social support; (2) stress management; (3) sleep; (4) exercise; (5) food; and (6) avoiding certain chemicals. While there was some good stuff in this book, for those of us who already lead fairly healthy, active lives there weren't a whole lot of practical changes to implement. Also, once you buy the premise that these 6 lifestyle factors make a difference, the book gets rather dull. A good read, but could have been a lot shorter for my tastes.
September 29, 2021
This book contains a lot of great information, however most of it I am already aware of and a lot are just common sense. Drink filtered water, exercise, sleep, have a good support system, eat a healthy diet, drink green tea, avoid products with toxic chemicals, etc. If you are new to healthy living, I would definitely recommend this book for an overview. If not, you can probably let just read the chapter summaries at the end for a refresher and maybe a few new ideas.
July 2, 2018
This is a critical book for everyone that wishes to maintain good health practices and prevent cancer in our daily lives. I found it exemplary in research and presentation.
After losing my entire family to cancer I have read several books on health and maintained my long term vegan eating. This research goes beyond just healthy eating. I had already eliminated all toxins from my home and personal products years before and thought I was doing enough to prevent the same cancers that fell my family.
I was more informed after reading this book and realized how the concepts of this book encouraged by the . authors work together in cancer prevention. The authors provide a well rounded concept that can work for everyone.
The authors concept is the “Mix of Six,” a scientifically proven informed case that building social and emotional support; managing stress; improving sleep, exercise, and diet; and minimizing exposure to environmental toxins work together to promote a key environment for health and well-being. The authors research states that the "synergy created by all six factors" can radically transform health, prevent many cancers and significantly improve quality of life.
These are basic factors that we can all follow and incorporate into our lives. A plant based eating plan only also works in concert with the "Mix of Six." I found this book a key part of my daily health regime. I highly recommend this book for all interested in good health, fighting cancer and improving their overall well being. A exemplary body of work.
Thank you with gratitude for the ARC to the publisher and Net Galley. My opinions are my own. I will be buying hard copies of this book for friends. This is a book that can change your life. Read it your health will thank you. I strongly encourage everyone to read this book.
After losing my entire family to cancer I have read several books on health and maintained my long term vegan eating. This research goes beyond just healthy eating. I had already eliminated all toxins from my home and personal products years before and thought I was doing enough to prevent the same cancers that fell my family.
I was more informed after reading this book and realized how the concepts of this book encouraged by the . authors work together in cancer prevention. The authors provide a well rounded concept that can work for everyone.
The authors concept is the “Mix of Six,” a scientifically proven informed case that building social and emotional support; managing stress; improving sleep, exercise, and diet; and minimizing exposure to environmental toxins work together to promote a key environment for health and well-being. The authors research states that the "synergy created by all six factors" can radically transform health, prevent many cancers and significantly improve quality of life.
These are basic factors that we can all follow and incorporate into our lives. A plant based eating plan only also works in concert with the "Mix of Six." I found this book a key part of my daily health regime. I highly recommend this book for all interested in good health, fighting cancer and improving their overall well being. A exemplary body of work.
Thank you with gratitude for the ARC to the publisher and Net Galley. My opinions are my own. I will be buying hard copies of this book for friends. This is a book that can change your life. Read it your health will thank you. I strongly encourage everyone to read this book.
May 3, 2019
I really enjoyed this book and it's overarching message that anti-cancer (or anti-disease, to make it more broadly applicable) living is not expensive monetarily, but rich in its beneficial, long-term mental/biological effects. While I'm not a person living with cancer, the authors' message applies to all diseases, and also notes that cancer has the potential, at any moment, to be found within anyone's body. What makes the book unique are not necessarily the lifestyle tips (which are common in many nonscientific articles hanging out on the internet), but the idea that there is somewhat of a hierarchy to the "Mix of Six" (social network/community, Stress-Management, Sleep, Exercise, Food/Nutrition, and reducing environmental toxins). Cohen stresses many times that your body can't work at its most optimal, or absorb the nutrients from a healthy diet, if you don't feel loved, embody self-love, and are unable to manage your chronic stress FIRST. That said, you still need to mix all of these aspects together in harmony, in order to live a disease-preventing life. For those who have been diagnosed with cancer/chronic illness, you still need Western medicine and a doctor's protocol, but you balance the harsh medicine and treatment plans with these mindful living techniques. The chapters are long, but easy to read, and are backed up with really interesting longitudinal studies from the field of medicine, and stories from people defying the odds of their terminal cancer diagnoses. All of this makes the arguments compelling, and, honestly, really hopeful for everyone (those with or without cancer).
August 31, 2020
Dr. Cohen is the Director of the Integrative Medicine Program at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston TX. He specifically studies lifestyles as they pertain to cancer effects. He provides practical science that clearly supports the link between the mental and physical state and lifestyle factors and the ability of people to avoid and/or survive cancer and other diseases.
I was a breast cancer patient at MD Anderson, the facility I have also been employed by for over 30 years. I knew of and have long been fascinated by Dr. Cohen’s research. While I was undergoing therapy for my cancer, I asked specifically if he had any current studies. I was enrolled in a randomized relaxation study for breast cancer patients, and was randomized to a yoga arm of the study. On, page 134 of the book he states, “there is a growing body of research that does link chronic stress with cancer tumor growth and with cancer proliferation.” I didn’t have the book at the time of my cancer. However, I’m glad I had his team there helping me to learn how to relax as a means to augment the excellent care I received from my physicians.
Because the book has a lot of science, it is not the easiest read, but it is a valuable tool that tells great short stories about actual cancer survivors. The book also points to scientific evidence that back the many good anti-cancer behaviors that anyone can engage in, and benefit from mentioned in the book.
I was a breast cancer patient at MD Anderson, the facility I have also been employed by for over 30 years. I knew of and have long been fascinated by Dr. Cohen’s research. While I was undergoing therapy for my cancer, I asked specifically if he had any current studies. I was enrolled in a randomized relaxation study for breast cancer patients, and was randomized to a yoga arm of the study. On, page 134 of the book he states, “there is a growing body of research that does link chronic stress with cancer tumor growth and with cancer proliferation.” I didn’t have the book at the time of my cancer. However, I’m glad I had his team there helping me to learn how to relax as a means to augment the excellent care I received from my physicians.
Because the book has a lot of science, it is not the easiest read, but it is a valuable tool that tells great short stories about actual cancer survivors. The book also points to scientific evidence that back the many good anti-cancer behaviors that anyone can engage in, and benefit from mentioned in the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2024
I wish that this was required reading. We have ALL been touched by cancer. It's more a matter of "when" not "if". Either ourselves, or someone we love. Or several someones. This is the most thorough book I have read regarding cancer treatment, prevention, and survival. Cohen's "mix of six" includes social/emotional support, stress management, sleep quality, exercise, diet and exposure to environmental toxins. He provides many case studies of actual cancer survivors. This book was very informative and comforting. I highly recommend, whether you are dealing with cancer, hoping to prevent cancer, or have a loved one who has been diagnosed.
November 17, 2019
This book is real treasure for everyone suffering from cancer. It explains in accessible language, but yet substantiated with latest research, what should be done by patient to win the struggle for the health. It gives a valuable tools to patients to change their mindset and prevent the recurrence. By his own example, Dr. Cohen proves that cancer indeed can be a great teacher that allows one to change the carcinogenic lifestyle and return to the health.
Vladislav Matrenitsky, M.D., Ph.D, psycho-oncologist,
author of the book ‘Carcinogenic Mind: The Psychosomatic Mechanisms of Cancer.’
Vladislav Matrenitsky, M.D., Ph.D, psycho-oncologist,
author of the book ‘Carcinogenic Mind: The Psychosomatic Mechanisms of Cancer.’
April 18, 2022
A very informative book. As a 26-year-old woman who has Silent Acid Reflux (with severe to mild persistent cough) and also Bipolar Disorder Type 2 and Depression, I'd say this book is a must-read. I knew that your mental state contributes to your physical health, and this book was really informative about how to live cancer-free or at least reduce the risk of onset cancer.
I was looking for a book about diet, literally on Google search every day, looking for cancer related to lung, and diseases related to gut. I picked up the book just because I want to educate myself more about health.
I would highly recommend this book because it's easy to digest (the first appendix is super scientific so it's pretty hard to understand). This book, somehow, gives you hope (trust me, this book encourages/motivates/gives moral support to you in so many ways (related to your health journey)
The next step is to do more research on foods how plant-based foods have different affect in the body when it's combined and to learn cooking tasty plant-based foods so I'll not be too depressed when eating them.
I was looking for a book about diet, literally on Google search every day, looking for cancer related to lung, and diseases related to gut. I picked up the book just because I want to educate myself more about health.
I would highly recommend this book because it's easy to digest (the first appendix is super scientific so it's pretty hard to understand). This book, somehow, gives you hope (trust me, this book encourages/motivates/gives moral support to you in so many ways (related to your health journey)
The next step is to do more research on foods how plant-based foods have different affect in the body when it's combined and to learn cooking tasty plant-based foods so I'll not be too depressed when eating them.
January 5, 2019
Changed my lifestyle! Months later, I'm still applying the lessons from this book for a healthier, more well-rounded life. It's also been really helpful as several friends and family members go through cancer to think about how to create a supportive environment for them and their caretakers.
May 24, 2021
read this for class. packed with anecdotes, engaging enough for me to continue reading, and overall filled with information that emphasizes a holistic approach to cancer survivorship, treatment, and prevention.
May 12, 2023
I think I got more out of the cancer statistics and the cancer hallmarks explained then the mix of six and how those can affect your body's ability to fight cancer. Out of each book I read about cancer I always learn a little bit more so educating myself is key.
April 11, 2024
This book really makes you think about your own life habits. I changed a lot of my daily habits and environments based on information found in this book. I think this is beneficial for people who care about their health and prevention of health problems to read!
September 23, 2024
A wonderful book to offer hope when facing a cancer diagnosis, or just wanting to never have one. It has much wonderful information to make your body inhospitable to cancer, and to create a life to thrive in. Highly recommend.
Currently reading
November 18, 2019Page 103- CaringBridge is a website for cancer patients. It allows their loved ones to reach out and offer support.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2020
MUST READ. Cancer-survivor or not, this book breaks down how to live our healthiest life based on scientific research and from integrative oncology MD from MD Anderson.
April 2, 2021
Important supplement to the original.
December 28, 2021
I DNF due to the detailed content. Personally, I prefer less detail in a health book. I think this would be a better fit for a different reader.
April 28, 2022
Excellent information.
January 8, 2023
Some good advice, but it’s long winded and poorly written. It took a loooong time to get through.
February 15, 2024
Found this to be highly informative and encouraging.
December 3, 2024
This book was so good for helping form healthy lifestyle habits!
August 3, 2025
Good information, especially for people who have never learned this before, but clearly coming from a lens of privilege.
August 5, 2025
This book is a must read for all! Great information on healthy lifestyle in general. It gives clear explanations, real-life examples, and “How To” ideas for everyone on their health journey.
July 23, 2019
Scientific information that reads like a story? Yes please!
Such empowering information about a cancer-preventative lifestyle; some new information, some information just a good reminder. I never thought twice about the toxins on the bottom of my shoes that end up all over the house if I don’t take them off right away. Or that BPA-free water bottles just have different toxic plastics to replace the BPA.
Game-changers for me, since reading this book: making vegetables the main course rather than meats (my husband and I are loving our 80% plant-based diet). Stainless steel drinking vessels and lunch containers rather than plastic, and fasting from time to time, especially when quality foods are not available (I.e airports, restaurants, and while traveling).
Looking forward to picking this book up again in the future to find new tricks on living a happier, healthier, and cancer-preventative lifestyle. Hoping my kids and grandkids never feel what it’s like to lose a grandparent too soon from that stupid disease.
Such empowering information about a cancer-preventative lifestyle; some new information, some information just a good reminder. I never thought twice about the toxins on the bottom of my shoes that end up all over the house if I don’t take them off right away. Or that BPA-free water bottles just have different toxic plastics to replace the BPA.
Game-changers for me, since reading this book: making vegetables the main course rather than meats (my husband and I are loving our 80% plant-based diet). Stainless steel drinking vessels and lunch containers rather than plastic, and fasting from time to time, especially when quality foods are not available (I.e airports, restaurants, and while traveling).
Looking forward to picking this book up again in the future to find new tricks on living a happier, healthier, and cancer-preventative lifestyle. Hoping my kids and grandkids never feel what it’s like to lose a grandparent too soon from that stupid disease.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews