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

James Metz, M.D.
Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania
Last Modified: November 1, 2001

Author: Daniel W. Nixon, M.D.
Publisher: Times Books
Price: $15.00 US
ISBN: 0-8129-2590-4
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Daniel W. Nixon, M.D. is a former associate director of the Cancer Prevention Research Program at the National Cancer Institute. He is Folk Professor of Experimental Oncology and director of cancer prevention and control at the Hollings Cancer Center at the Medical University of South Carolina. Dr. Nixon has written this book to educate the public on cancer prevention and management utilizing nutritional strategies. It is an excellent guide to nutrition and empowers the patient to become an active member of the health care team.

The book explains the connections between diet and specific cancers. Dr. Nixon states "I offer my opinions and advice, based on my interpretations of the best available data, to help you make informed judgments." He also makes recommendations about alternative nutritional therapies. There are specific nutritional recommendations regarding breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colorectal cancer. The common thread in all the diet recommendations is to decrease fat and increase the fiber. The book even includes numerous recipes developed by an accomplished chef. Each of the meals derives 20% or less from fat.

There is a phenomenal chapter on solving nutrition problems and improving well-being during cancer treatment. Dr. Nixon gives superb advice on dealing with fatigue, nausea and vomiting, and anorexia. Many other side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy are addressed and good management recommendations are provided.

The book is well written and easy to understand. Dr. Nixon makes sound recommendations based upon available data. The diet can be easily followed by the whole family to help prevent cancer and many other medical problems such as heart disease.