The Bottom Line
Anticancer is a great choice for anyone looking for lifestyle changes they can start making today to reduce their risk of colon cancer occurrence or recurrence. The book provides specific advice for preventing a variety of cancers, including colon cancer.
Pros
- Affordable
- Very credible author
- Packed with helpful information
- Provides the tools to start reducing cancer risk immediately
Cons
- A little too detailed and biographical at times
Description
- Written by a cancer survivor who is a medical doctor and also holds a PhD
- Includes a glossy full-color insert that condenses the book's most actionable advice into 16 pages
- Contains detailed advice anyone can use to change their lifestyle for the better today
- Does a great job explaining the reasons for each recommendation
Guide Review - Book Review of 'Anticancer: A New Way of Life'
Anticancer is written by David Servan-Schreiber, a physician and neuroscientist who, after developing a brain tumor, focused his research on preventing a relapse. The conclusion Servan-Schreiber came to was that cancer lies dormant in all of us. However, rather than viewing that as "Oh well, we're all screwed," he believes we have the ability to significantly influence the occurrence (or recurrence) of cancer by making lifestyle changes.
Anticancer is dedicated to explaining why humans develop cancer and which specific actions we can take to prevent it from happening. Dr. Servan-Schreiber explains that how we live, what we eat, the products we use, and even how we feel all influence whether the cancer that lies dormant in us awakens to disrupt our lives.
I'm a big fan of this book. It talks about the importance of a healthy diet that includes whole grains and healthy fats; however, it also provides food lists for specific cancers and explains the research behind recommending those foods. For example, did you know garlic, leeks, scallions, and Brussels sprouts specifically inhibit the growth of colon cancer cells?
Another thing I really like about this book is when it tells you not to eat or use something, it suggests things to eat or use instead. For example, when Dr. Servan-Schreiber warns against consuming white sugar because it feeds cancer cells, he suggests replacing it with a natural sweetener like stevia (which is available in the grocery store).
If you're looking for specific lifestyle changes you can start making today to decrease your risk of developing colon cancer or of having a recurrence, I highly recommend Anticancer.
