OnlineBookClub.org

I am not very far into the book yet, but as an anti-capitalist who has been let down by Western doctors, I was instantly drawn to the blurb and OBC review. I am sure I will find the book fascinating.

However, I do wonder who Winning the War on Cancer will appeal to in general - will the author metaphorically be, "preaching to the choir?" In my community, any mention of support for alternative medicine, or lack of support for established corporations, gets one labeled as a, "crazy hippy," or, "naiive," and a friend was only telling me yesterday about a British soap opera which is currently portraying non-chemotherapy cancer treatments as ridiculous and dangerous. Personally, I doubt that many people I know would consider reading a different perspective, despite the inclusion of proven science, and I find that highly disappointing.

Those of you who are further into the book - do you think the text is written in a way that will encourage sceptics to re-think? Or does it come across as too radical? What do you think of the cover - does that serve to attract or discourage opponents?

However, I do wonder who Winning the War on Cancer will appeal to in general - will the author metaphorically be, "preaching to the choir?" In my community, any mention of support for alternative medicine, or lack of support for established corporations, gets one labeled as a, "crazy hippy," or, "naiive," and a friend was only telling me yesterday about a British soap opera which is currently portraying non-chemotherapy cancer treatments as ridiculous and dangerous. Personally, I doubt that many people I know would consider reading a different perspective, despite the inclusion of proven science, and I find that highly disappointing.

You may be right, in that the majority will always go with the medical model and what is considered the "Gold Standard".

However, I am a Chiropractor who has attended hundreds of hours of continuing education seminars in Nutrition. These seminars include the use of whole food supplements and herbs. There is a growing desire among the public to be treated with natural methods. So I can tell you, that not only are there many alternative professionals (Chiropractors, Naturopaths, Massage Therapists, Acupuncturists) who would use this information (or this kind of information), but they have clients and patients who seek them out for their advice.

But as they say, you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make them drink, and every patient has the right to their chosen treatment. But it can be sad when you clearly see that a treatment is not working well with a certain patient.

Several years ago I had a patient whose husband had cancer. During his first chemotherapy treatment he almost died and treatment had to be stopped. When she told me this, I thought she was asking for my advice, so I told her of some places I knew which combined alternative and medical treatments. The look of shock on her face has stayed with me for years. She was aghast that I would suggest such a thing! Sadly the man died within a few weeks. Not surprising to me at all.

As to the Soap Opera, for years the only appearance by a Chiropractor in the media was Alan Harper (Jon Cryer), the idiot brother of Charlie Harper (Charlie Sheen) in Two and Half Men. It hasn't slowed down my profession any, but it does hurt a bit! LOL!!

I suppose it really boils down to if the author manages to keep a neutral, fact presenting voice and back up claims with actual data not just "I heard of one person who tried it and it worked".

The author's writing style is clear and concise. It is also backed with scientific evidence. I am not so certain,though,that this would be enough to shake the beliefs of the advocates of orthodox medicine.

The author's writing style is clear and concise. It is also backed with scientific evidence.

I think this book will appeal more to people who are actually looking for alternative healing instead of skeptics. Skeptics won't give this a second look at all. I fall somewhere in the middle because I believe in the "cut, burn, and poison" methods of getting rid of cancer. It is an aggressive disease and it needs an aggressive approach. A lot of cancers are also fast-growing, and honestly, alternative medicine may not be quick enough to suppress the disease. However, I believe that alternative treatments for patients who are in the early stages (0-2) can work. It can also be beneficial in preventing the disease from coming back.

I'm not too far into the book either, but I also had the "choir" thought. Then again, I had an experience that rocked my world (not life-threatening but enough to get me thinking and scary). Based on something someone I know told me about natural treatment, this experience got me to research natural options. From there, I now go natural whenever I can. So, I think it will be mostly to the "choir," but there will be those who take the plunge and change their thinking. At least, that's my take.

I'm always slightly skeptical of "all-natural" methods. People's definitions can vary so drastically as to what that term encompasses. That being said, I have seen some pretty incredible things, and I am open to learning about alternative medicine. As far as cancer goes, western medicine does not always save people. I think it is good that there are options for people, especially for those who do not want or can't tolerate chemo and radiation.

I think that is based the readers mindset a little. If someone is more on the side of what is regarded as "normal treatment " for cancer they may be put off by reading it. For a reader who has an open mind towards alternative treatment, then it will convincing and great read.

Natural remedies are akin to praying for a cure. I think they both rely on belief. The more you believe, the better it will work. However, most people interested in alternative medicine are viewed differently than those that pray. It is an interesting intersection. Perhaps skeptics will be curious to see what the (much deserved) hype is and find a way to blend it with more western solutions.

MsTri wrote: ↑01 Jan 2019, 12:07 I actually do not intend to read this because I'm a skeptic. While I'd be willing to look at natural means as a side dish, there's no way I'd use such treatments as the entrée, not with something as serious as cancer. Fortunately, I don't have cancer and therefore don't need either.

Ah ha, but this isn't a typical alternative medicine book. The author and her father recommend using these herbs alongside conventional cancer treatment methods. You might want to reconsider.

I've found, especially when it comes to medicine, skeptics will not change their minds even presented with overwhelming evidence. We have this false belief that doctors are gods who can do no wrong. Sometimes, people don't want to change their beliefs.

I am quite skeptical but the book decreases my skepticism to some extent.

I have not read much of the book, but I have been open to both natural remedies and medication in the past, and probably will continue to be so in the future. I have never been convinced to try something based on one book/ article I have read. Therefore, while this book may not convince someone 100%, it may spark some interest and help someone learn something new. In regards to other people, I think it depends on how open minded they are to different perspectives. The thing is, the degree of open mindedness a person has, can vary at times. Someone may read this book this month and not be influenced, but 5 years later that person might be at a point where he/she is willing to listen and research.