Review by vcurlee -- Manifesto for a Cancer Patient

[vcurlee]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Manifesto for a Cancer Patient" by Colleen Huber, NMD.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Manifesto For a Cancer Patient by Colleen Huber seeks to describe natural ways that cancer can be defeated and provide convincing proof that those methods are more effective that the traditional medicine treatments of chemotherapy and radiation. Colleen Huber is a naturopathic doctor respected in her field and gives a strong case for following a course of natural treatment as opposed to chemicals and radiation. She used her own outcomes as well as outside research to prove her point. There are several sections of the book that contain statistics some would find tedious, but she gives fair warning and tells you in advance what to skip over if that is not your cup of tea.

Throughout the reading of her manifesto, it is easy to believe in what is put forth and jump on the natural remedy bandwagon. Huber makes very compelling arguments and her passion and dedication are evident. What I liked most about the book is that it shows cancer patients that they have options. They are so often not given all of the information they need to make the treatment decision that they feel is right for them. Many physicians lead patients down the path that they believe is right, not taking into account the patients' own beliefs and values.

What I disliked most about this book is that I felt Huber at times did exactly what oncologists do in regards to chemotherapy. At times her message seemed to be suggesting that her treatments work as long as you did exactly what she said and nothing else. She also showed figures that the most common reasons for patients to discontinue her treatments, and therefore die of cancer, were financial reasons. She states all of her treatments are based on nutrition and using supplements that can be found in nature, so that gave me pause.

As a healthcare professional myself, especially one who specializes in caring for terminally ill patients, I am always looking to learn as much as I can about alternative treatments. We in the medical field must admit that there are many things we don't know. I gave this book 3 out of 4 stars ; however, I felt it was just as heavy handed as oncologists who insist chemotherapy and radiation are best. It seemed to say that Huber's treatment plan is only successful if you follow it to the letter and do not try anything else. It certainly did not state that explicitly, and statistics were given for patients who used a combination of treatment modalities, but it was definitely implied.

I would definitely recommend that anyone trying to decide on a course of treatment for themselves or helping someone they know make that decision read this book, but only with an open mind. I gave it 3 out of 4 stars only so that people looking for treatment can be shown that they have options, not so that they would be led to believe this was the only way.

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Manifesto for a Cancer Patient
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[Erin Painter Baker]

I think helping people who have a cancer diagnosis understand all of their options for treatment is a great goal. But like you, I would be leery about trying to lead a person any particular direction for treatment of such a serious disease. It should always be the choice of the patient and family.

[Nerea]

Cancer has robbed lives from many people. And the living are dreaded by it. Gaining knowledge about natural way to cure the illness sounds relieving. I'm ok with statistics. This will be my next book to read. Thank you for your nice review.