The good news about cancer

The good news about cancer
Richard Hourigan

This book was reviewed by one of our committee members, Diane Chapman, who has a special interest in complementary therapies and treatments.

Following a recent recommendation by Hazel Courteney, the health journalist, in the Sunday Times, I bought this book. Like many other people, I am sure, I was attracted by its title which alone is sufficiently enticing to keep one turning the pages.

It does not disappoint and offers hope to anyone with the courage and determination to take a very radical approach to getting well. In the first few pages, it delivers the incantation that 'As of now, cancer is beaten'.

It continues with an historical overview of the alternative treatments which were researched and became available earlier this century. These include Gerson diet therapy, perhaps the most thoroughly documented of all the alternative therapies. This places emphasis on detoxification with coffee enemas, nourishment involving a very strict intake of organic fruit and vegetables, and drinking freshly pressed fruit and vegetable juices which flood the body with live enzymes.

Amongst other treatments, we learn about the importance of vitamin C, vaccine therapy to stimulate the immune system, and a preparation called Complex ZA comprising a 'combination of zinc and magnesium complexed with ascorbic acid and prepared in an aqueous solution . . .'

Amygdalin, more usually known as Laetrile, is also discussed in depth, with emphasis on its correct use for maximum effect. Another very significant treatment for discussion is enzyme therapy.

Having presented an historical perspective, the authors suggest that, had communications been better, early this century, then each of the treatments discussed, instead of being pursued in parallel, could have been brought together to offer a treatment to provide us with a rapid cure for cancer.

In the final chapters, we learn how this could still be achieved today if we have the will. Gerson therapy is the foundation, with enzyme therapy, vaccine therapy, Complex ZA, Laetrile, vitamin C all part of the programme. Precise details of how to proceed are provided. However, it would be a brave person who would attempt such a programme without the supervision of a competent doctor who not only understands the complexities of the Gerson regimen but also feels able to recommend the adjunct therapies.

Whilst a comprehensive resource list is provided, we are left to find our own medical supervision. Nevertheless, the book makes fascinating reading and I for one have the ideas stewing on the back burner.