At long last we have a comprehensive, readable and understandable book on cancer, a book that does not scare but puts the entire topic in its true perspective. Cancer Explained helps remove much of the mystique, horror and hopelessness that many people associate with cancer. This book is filled with page after page of good cheer, as we see countless ways in which everyone can take steps – usually simple ones – to help prevent the disease from striking. That is marvellous news in itself. Although most of these steps have been known for years, they are brought together in Cancer Explained in an easily followed way. Then we are gently walked through the various forms of cancer, the signs and symptoms which should alert us and the steps the doctor will take in diagnosis and treatment. Finally there are simple explanations of the litany of cancer-related words.
Cancer Explained is filled with common sense, empathy and hard-hitting facts, all wrapped up in words that anyone can follow and understand. Western medicine still offers the most important options in dealing with cancer. But the book shows an appreciation of the enormous range of ‘alternative’ methods of prevention and treatment. Many accepted forms of Western medicine are based on naturally occurring products. Fred Stephens acknowledges the proliferating data on fibre, isoflavinoids and phytoestrogens, and their value in prevention – a reason why cancer is so rare in countries where legumes and other high-fibre, low-fat foods are part of the everyday diet. There are lessons to be learned from all parts of the globe.
Fred Stephens has a long and distinguished association with cancer and education, at the University of Sydney, Sydney Hospital and the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. For many years he educated, advised and treated vast numbers of students and patients. All have benefited from his experience and, just as importantly, from his understanding and empathy for his fellow human beings.
I am intrigued by this fine book and recommend it to medical people as well as everyone out there. Reading it will help you better understand all aspects of the second-largest killer in our community. And it will help you save lives, most importantly your own, or that of family or friends.
Read this book, and tell your friends to read it also. I am certainly recommending it to my media audience.