Fifteen years ago, Dr. David Servan-Schreiber was a successful and ambitious psychiatric resident in Pittsburgh. Unexpectedly, an MRI scan revealed a walnut-sized tumour in his brain. The discovery launched Servan-Schreiber into a journey from cancer victim to cancer survivor. The result is AntiCancer: A New Way of Life (New York: Viking, 2008), a book that is both a personal story and a scientific exploration of the human capacity to beat cancer. Three areas that Servan-Schreiber identifies as arenas for this capacity to be played out are the environment, foods, mind and body.
The Anticancer Environment
Since 1940, the number of cancer cases has grown astronomically in all industrialized countries. Servan-Schreiber locates the cause of this cancer epidemic in environmental changes caused by increased use of chemical-laden products, the addition of highly refined sugar in processed foods, and changes adopted in farming and animal feed. Cancer thrives on sugar, inflammation and toxic chemicals that lace the earth’s atmosphere. The switch from grass to grain and corn feed for livestock has also resulted in dairy products inordinately high in omega 6 fatty acids which promote inflammation in cells, the perfect environment for cancer growth. Taking steps to move to the anticancer environment (natural, chemical-free products and grass-fed livestock) can ensure man of a healthy future.
The Anticancer Foods
Research shows that while some foods promote cancer, others destroy it. The former can be found in overconsumption of sugar, white flour, animal fats, red meat, processed foods and foods exposed to toxic contaminants. Certain foods have anticancer properties. These include green tea, turmeric and berries. Other anticancer foods include cruciform vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower etc), garlic, onions, leeks, red wine and dark chocolate. Servan –Schreiber suggests that a good rule of thumb to follow is to avoid red meats, sugar, white flour, processed foods and load up on organic fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes.
The Anticancer Mind
Studies have shown that while cancer exists potentially in all men, its activation is dependent on lifestyle, attitude and mind. Peace and serenity are emotional states that can reduce the potential of cancer developing into serious disease. Research in psychoneuroimmunology shows that positive emotions strengthen the body’s immune response. The sense of connection with a universal force greater than oneself allows man to experience “a harmonious global vibration” (155) that brings about balance in body, mind and spirit. Focusing on ways (such as meditation and prayer) to experience this oversoul develops the anticancer mind.
The Anticancer Body
The body in motion reduces excess hormones that stimulate the growth of cancer. Exercise also reduces blood sugar levels and inflammation. Most of all, exercise functions like meditation; it has a direct effect on the body’s immune system. Servan-Schreiber personally attests to the effect of exercise on his own illness. After being diagnosed with brain cancer, he ran every morning with his dog. The running developed his anticancer mind:”every step forward, every gulp of air gave [him] the feeling of getting the upper hand over the disease “(190). Now, fifteen years after the initial diagnosis, he is cancer free.
Living the anticancer way of life is a matter of choice and awareness. Servan-Schreiber’s book, balancing a personal story with the story of a 21st century epidemic, certainly points the way to the possibility of change. His book succinctly shows readers how to beat cancer.
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