Life Over Cancer: The Block Center Program for Integrative Cancer Treatment

by Keith Block

Book Overview

Dr. Keith Block is at the global vanguard of innovative cancer care. As medical director of the Block Center for Integrative Cancer Treatment in Evanston, Illinois, he has treated thousands of... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0553801147
• Release Date: April 2009
• Publisher: Bantam
• Length: 608 Pages
• Weight: 2.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.5" x 1.4" x 6.4"

Customer Reviews

A Landmark Book, Though It Falls Between Audiences

Dr. Block is a pioneer of integrative oncology, with about three decades of experience in cancer research and clinical care for thousands of cancer patients. For the past three years, I've followed his work with great interest, and I knew a while back that he was working on this book, so I awaited the book with eager anticipation. I bought the book the day it came out and have just finished reading it in its entirety. Though the book has a significant shortcoming which I'll get to in a moment, it's still overall an outstanding resource. In these 500+ pages, Dr. Block explains the philosophy behind his integrative treatment approach, and he also provides abundant details on how he implements this approach for patients on an individualized basis, addressing the goals of both extending survival and improving quality of life. Because (a) cancer is a huge social problem, (b) an integrative approach makes sense, is supported by evidence, and is (hopefully) the wave of the future, and (c) Dr. Block's credentials are as authoritative as one can find, this book will hopefully have a large influence and thereby offer a major contribution to human welfare. The primary shortcoming of this book is that it tries to simultaneously serve both patients/caregivers and physicians/researchers, but these are two audiences with dramatically different technical backgrounds, so I think that trying to find a compromise between these two audiences does somewhat of a disservice to both. In other words, I think two seperate books would have worked better. For patients/caregivers, I think a more streamlined book would have been preferable, since the current book has the potential to be overwhelming (even with the "quick maps"), to the point where many may give up on trying to make use of the book, which would be very unfortunate. Instead, some will surely try to just go to the Block Center for treatment, but that won't be feasible for most, so they'll be left hanging unless they can find a local oncologist who's on board with Dr. Block's approach; I hope that Dr. Block will address that need in his website. As the book stands now, for patients/caregivers who are sufficiently motivated and have sufficient time, I suggest reading the book through once quickly, then reading it a second time carefully to absorb the details, and then referring to it as needed. That won't be a small effort, but the effort will be worth it, since it could add years to a patient's life if Dr. Block's advice is followed diligently. And for physicians/researchers, I think the book is too watered down from a technical standpoint, resulting in too much "fluff" and not enough solid technical detail. This is again unfortunate because a much stronger case for Dr. Block's treatment approach could have been made if the book had been written at a higher technical level, and more details would also have helped physicians in applying this treatment approach. Of course, the Pubmed abstracts availab

A must-read

This is honestly the best book on integrative cancer treatment on the market right now. My best friend was diagnosed with breast cancer 2 years ago. I was floored when she started getting her chemo from the Block Clinic (in Chicago). There are several university based cancer clinics within 10 miles of where she lives, but she racks up those frequent flier miles to fly for her treatment. Her cancer is now in remission. To make a long story short, my mother was also diagnosed with the same disease six months ago. Since then, I've made it my mission in life to learn all I can about it. Nobody wants to read a book about cancer, but I had to, so I've read nearly 50 books. Many of them are depressing and have the same information that you can find on line (although I recommend Anti-Cancer by David Servan and Susan Love's Breast Book). My friend (who is now in remission) gave me this book, and I was really impressed with it. I read it cover to cover in 2 days, and bought copies for my mother, her doctors, and our family to read. Basically the book discusses 3 main areas to focus on: "improving your lifestyle," "boosting your biology" and "enhancing your treatment". You don't need to have cancer to appreciate this book, in fact, I believe it should help cut the risk of getting this terrible disease. PS I read the reviewer who said he had a hard time contacting the clinic, and I had to laugh. My friend was supposed to fly in for a check up and she (who is a loyal patient couldn't get through either!

Fundamental for all who are touched by cancer

This book is a visionary book, that explains the way cancer should be viewed and treated. As a cancer survivor, I have been frustrated and disappointed in oncologists and cancer specialists who view me as a disease, or as a survivor of a disease, instead of a whole person with judgement and feeling. In addition, I have found that most oncologists spend more time focused on the medical cures (chemotherapy, radiation) instead of the areas I can focus on - what I eat, how I live, what I think and how I feel. This book answers those questions for me, and even if I am a survivor, its information is critically important if I am to continue being a survivor. It doesn't talk down to me, and its examples and anecdotes feel "real" and believable. I'm anxious to put my reading into action in terms of mindset and diet. All this said, I do have one small criticism. I called the Block Clinic repeatedly over the last week to make an appointment, and could not connect to a live person. I am sure the staff is very busy since the book is a very recent publication, but I did expect better follow through. Interestingly enough, the book highights the need for personal care and attention, but when I called the clinic, all I got was an answering machine. I may be overly critical, but that seems ironic. Beyond this, the book was rational and solid. I look forward to reading more from this author.

An Amazing Book

Having had breast cancer twice and having read virtually every book out there on the subject, I have to say that this book sets the gold standard. For starters it is well wrtten, well organized and well researched which are qualities you rarely find in this type of book. Beyond this, it contains an incredible amount of immediately useful information while maintaining the recognititon that one size does not fit all-a practice that you often find in the medical community. In my own journey through this disease, I have observed that many clinics are attempting to incorporate integrative strategies, and even though they are moving in the right direction, they are missing the whole picture. It is so blatantly clear that Dr. Block has put together all the pieces in a truly comprehensive approach. I was so impressed with this book, I bought a copy for every doctor that I have interacted with in the past few years. If you or a family member are dealing with cancer- pay attention- this book is the one you will refer to over and over again.

A lifeline for anyone with cancer

As a journalist and book author specializing in natural healing, I write and read widely in the field of health, including cancer. In my opinion, there is no other book on the market that so comprehensively, compassionately and expertly addresses the many needs of someone with cancer. Most importantly, it speaks with great practicality to their urgent intention to live, offering a paradigm of hope and healing. I unequivocally recommend this book to anyone with the difficult diagnosis of cancer, and to their caregivers. Dr. Block has written a medical masterpiece.