CHAPTER 1: THE CANCER EPIDEMIC
The book opens with an explanation of what cancer actually is, the potential of every cell in the body to become a cancer, the steps involved in the process of transformation to cancer, and the body’s protective mechanisms to keep cancers from forming and growing inside it. The chapter continues to talk about the trends in the Western lifestyle that have led to increasing cancer statistics, and it closes with a discussion of the most common cancers occurring in our society today.
CHAPTER 2: KNOWLEDGE IS THE KEY TO STAYING HEALTHY
This chapter discusses the concept of disease risk and breaks down cancer risk factors, first into the main categories of demographics, genetics, and environment, and then by cancer type. At the conclusion of reading this chapter, you will have a basic understanding of the wide variety of risk factors known today to influence cancer development and their relative amount of influence. Emphasis is placed on modifiable risk factors, so that you will be empowered to change what you can and take charge of your health.
CHAPTER 3: FINDING A PROBLEM BEFORE IT’S A PROBLEM
In this chapter you will learn about the symptoms and signs associated with each of the most common cancers so that you will be equipped to detect a cancer so early that it may not even be a fully formed cancer yet.
CHAPTER 4: ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL
Here you will learn about the different cancer screening tests available, their benefits, and their limitations. General screening guidelines for average risk individuals are discussed, as well as some example modifications for high-risk individuals.
CHAPTER 5: TAKING CHARGE OF YOUR HEALTH
In this chapter you will learn about the building blocks of cancer prevention that can be used to keep the temple, which is your body, in optimal health. These options span from healthy lifestyle choices to preventive medicines and surgeries, which may apply for the high-risk individual.
CHAPTER 6: STRATEGIC PREVENTION
Building blocks are not as useful without a skillful builder. In this chapter you will learn about how a prevention program for each of the common cancers can be designed around you, your risk, your situation, and your preferences.
CHAPTER 7: THE PREVENTION MINDSET
It is said that all important journeys start first between our ears. Explore the concepts of perception, desire, and motivation to win over your own mind and live proactively and purposefully, no longer limited by excuses or self-sabotage.
CHAPTER 8: NOW WHAT?
Here everything is pulled together for you, from the fundamental concepts discussed in the first two chapters, to the early detection principles covered in the next two, and the cancer prevention tools reviewed the chapters that followed. Your next steps are identified to seek and build your own ideal plan for optimizing health and longevity.
