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WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PREVENT CANCER by  Kirkus Star

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PREVENT CANCER

By

Pub Date: April 1st, 1985
Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Another detailed, well-based guide to the dietary measures that seem to protect against and prevent cancer. Alabaster, a practicing and research oncologist (George Washington U. Medical Center), puts the situation firmly at the outset: ""Environmental factors such as diet and smoking are now thought to cause as much as 90 percent of all human cancer in the United States, this means that cancer is potentially a preventable disease."" True, 90 percent may be a high estimate, and may put more of the onus on the individual than belongs there (most experts agree that industrial pollutants are also heavily implicated); but for those who want a carefully mapped out plan for individual action, this offers real help. After self-assessment testing on current habits, Alabaster covers each relevant dietary component in detail: fat is dangerous; high-protein diets have been linked to certain cancers (breast, uterus, prostate, colon, and others); refined carbohydrates are to be avoided; fiber is a protective; there are some ""vital vitamins"" (although Alabaster is cautious about supplementing--a balanced, varied diet is much preferable); and alcohol is a very mixed blessing. There are two absolute ""nos"": obesity and smoking. ""To live dangerously, smoke. . . to live very dangerously, smoke a lot. If that is still too boring, smoke and drink a lot at the same time."" Alabaster sets out sample menus--with some appetizing recipes--and offers suggestions for safer food selection and preparation. Like Charles Simone's Cancer and Nutrition (1983) and Patricia Hausman's Foods That Fight Cancer (1984), this offers sound plans for individual action.