The Cancer Recovery Eating Plan:: The Right Foods to Help Fuel Your Recovery

Nixon, detection and treatment vice-president for the American Cancer Society, here makes it clear that no miracle food or diet yet exists to prevent cancer, much less guarantee that it will not recur after treatment. Moreover, certain cancers-e.g., the lymphomas and leukemias-seem to bear little relation to dietary habits. Nonetheless, he tells us, dietary strategies and steps can be taken to minimize risk and maximize the benefits of preventing certain new or recurring cancers-breast, prostate and colon, for example. He provides a thoughtful, well-researched look at the controversial issues regarding diet and cancer, wading through much of the hype that pervades the world of megavitamin and supplement gurus. Alas, according to the author, there is no evidence suggesting that dietary manipulation significantly benefits patients with advanced, metastatic cancer. Still, certain dietary strategies-many of them stressing low-fat foods, fruits, vegetables and fiber-can be beneficial for overall good health. To that end, the book furnishes more than 100 recipes from American Culinary Federation certified master chef Mark Erickson. These may seem complicated but are, in fact, easy to prepare, and include nutritional information. Readers will appreciate the sense of empowerment provided by Nixon, as well as an extensive list of resources. Author tour. (Aug.)