The Type C Connection: The Behavioral Links to Cancer and Your Health

People who maintain a facade of pleasantness, never express anger and who strive excessively to please authority figures are more vulnerable to cancer, according to clinical psychologist Temoshok and science writer Dreher ( Your Defense Against Cancer ). This behavior pattern, which they dub ``Type C,'' is typified by self-sacrificing, unassertive people who focus their attention on others and away from themselves. Based in part on Temoshok's studies of melanoma patients, the Type C personality profile in many ways resembles the behavioral patterns that Bernie Siegel, Lawrence LeShan and other writers impute to allegedly cancer-prone individuals. This popularly written book sets forth suggestions aimed at helping people change their behavior to assist cancer prevention and recovery. Despite its in-depth review of the mind-body connection, the study will not resolve the medical controversy over whether, and to what extent, emotions can affect cancer's onset or one's chances for recovery. Author tour. (July)