What is Anticancer?

Anticancer describes natural methods of health care that contribute to preventing the development of cancer or to bolstering treatment. They are meant to serve as a complement to conventional approaches (such as surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy)  

Dr. Servan-Schreiber's book shares his new view on life as a cancer survivor. He explores both traditional and non-traditional approaches to prevent, fight and treat cancer. His book explains how anyone can incorporate these healthier approaches into their life.

Behavioral changes slow the growth of cancer cells
Anticancer outlines the role of diet, exercise, stress management and the environment in reducing your chances for cancer. Avoiding certain chemicals found in household cleaning products and perfumes is one way you can control your environment. Healthy changes to everyday life can reduce cancer risks by stopping the growth of cancer cells, which he calls “outlaws.” These changes, even if they are small, strengthen the immune system. They also reduce cell inflammation, which “outlaws” need to grow. “All in all, anything that boosts our immune system fights cancer,” Servan-Schreiber says. “And, certain food items or behaviors that have anti-inflammatory properties can help stop cancer from spreading.”

Spreading knowledge about cancer prevention makes a difference
The inspiration for Anticancer came during dinner with his brother at a small Italian restaurant in Paris. While eating a plate of grilled vegetables and a small side of pasta with pesto, Servan-Schreiber listened to his brother talk about how much their family and friends had changed their lifestyles and behaviors, based on what he had taught them about cancer prevention. “For a number of years, I never talked about my disease or what I was doing to help myself,” says Servan-Schreiber. “I wanted my patients to think that I was in good enough shape to care for them, which I was. But, a few years down the line, after I was doing well, my brother told me that as a doctor, I shouldn’t keep that information from the public. He said I had to share my findings with the world. And, he was right. It was then that I decided to write ‘Anti Cancer’.”

Why I wrote "Anticancer: A New Way of Life" - by Dr. Servan-Schreiber
"This book is above all my testimony as a witness and fellow sufferer. I had cancer. I’m cured now, and I wanted to share what I learned with other people. Being a doctor doesn’t protect you from cancer. But because I’m a doctor and a scientist, I was able to take my knowledge to its limits and learn to look after myself. I wanted to write the book I would have liked to read – the book that, if it had existed, would have helped me to avoid falling ill, and that would have helped me learn very quickly how to give my cancer treatments the best possible chance of working."

Watch an MD Anderson presentation by Dr. Servan-Schreiber, as he explains the modern day cancer epidemic and the Anticancer lifestyle approach