David Servan-Schreiber was a medical researcher in his early thirties when he learned he had brain cancer. After surgery, he searched for a way of life which would reduce his chances of his cancer recurring. His book, Anticancer: A New Way of Life, tells what he learned, scientifically, about how diet affects cancer.

Dr. Servan-Schreiber's experience with cancer changed him from a research career-driven scientist to one interested in the practical application of science, particularly the drawing together of divergent knowledge to find out what prevents cancer and, once it has been treated, what prevents it from recurring. He learned that healthy immune cells fight cancer in its beginning, so it doesn't take over a body.

“...studies on the activities of immune cells...show they are at their best when our diets are healthy, our environment is 'clean,' and our physical activity involves the entire body (not just our brains and our hands)."

What inhibits immune cells? Traditional western diet. Persistent anger or despair. Social isolation. Denial of one's true identity (that is, trying to be what we're not). Sedentary lifestyle.

What activates immune cells? Mediterranean diet, Indian cuisine, Asian cuisine. Serenity, joy. Support from family and friends. Acceptance of self with one's values and past history. Regular physical activity.

Here, in a nutshell, is the formula for living a long and healthy life. If only it were so easy. It has taken me almost fifty years to change from a meat and potatoes (preferably fried) diet to a better one. And I'm not there yet. Change comes slowly, but it does come.