In The Journey Through Cancer, Dr. Jeremy Geffen discusses an integrative approach to treatment that involves caring for the whole person. He acknowledges the necessity of conventional treatments like surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. However, he also emphasizes the benefits of positive thinking, emotional connection, certain complementary therapies, and open communication between patients and doctors. The book explains that cancer is a unique journey for each individual and as such, each person requires a different combination of treatments to heal the body, mind and spirit.
Author Credibility
As a board-certified medical oncologist and a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, Dr. Geffen is definitely qualified to offer opinions regarding cancer treatment. He also lived in an ashram (a spiritual community) for four years studying yoga, meditation, and vegetarianism prior to enrolling in medical school. This, along with subsequent trips to the East to explore complementary and alternative treatments, uniquely qualifies Dr. Geffen to write this book.
What's Good About This Book
The Journey Through Cancer provides ideas about complementary treatments that patients may not have considered. For example, did you know that in 1998, the National Institutes of Health recognized acupuncture as a proven, effective treatment for chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting?
The book also presents readers with specific questions designed to identify and remove roadblocks to healing -- simple questions Dr. Geffen believes every person with cancer should consider.
One of my favorite metaphors in The Journey Through Cancer is the idea of the body as a garden that needs tending, rather than as a machine that needs fixing. In language representative of the book, Dr. Geffen explains that "... your intention should be learning to care for the garden of your own unique being -- with the help, support, and guidance of your doctor, your family, and your friends -- so that the fruits and flowers of health, well-being, and self-knowledge can blossom and grow."
What's Bad About This Book
Dr. Geffen speaks with a kind, loving tone that many readers will find comforting and reassuring. However, some people may find it too syrupy to endure.
Who Should Read This Book?
If you're interested in basic information about cancer or conventional treatments for cancer, skip this book. If you want information specifically about colorectal cancer, a book like Positive Options for Colorectal Cancer would probably be more appropriate. So, who should read this book? In my opinion, The Journey Through Cancer is best suited for anyone:
- interested in an integrative approach to cancer treatment.
- undergoing treatment and wondering which complementary therapies might work.
- newly diagnosed and learning their options.
For more reviews and recommendations, please explore the colorectal cancer reading list.
You can learn more about complementary and alternative treatments by visiting About.com's Cancer, Alternative Medicine, and Holistic Healing sites. In addition, the web site for the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) contains a wealth of information.
Sources:- FACP - What Do These Letters After Your Doctor's Name Mean? American College of Physicians. 27 Nov. 2006 [http://www.acponline.org/college/membership/facp.htm].
- Geffen, Jeremy. The Journey Through Cancer - Healing and Transforming the Whole Person. 2nd ed. New York: Three Rivers Press, 2006.
