There are so many theories floating around about cancer prevention and treatment it can make your head spin, but this book cuts through the hype and provides some much-needed clarity. Author David Servan-Schreiber, clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh and cofounder of its Center for Integrative Medicine, offers what is perhaps the most comprehensive synthesis of available studies on the role of the body’s natural defenses against cancer. A 15-year survivor of brain cancer who was told by one of his doctors that lifestyle changes would not make a difference, Servan-Schreiber found this to be patently untrue and responded by collecting all the information in the book — from studies on diet, exercise and environmental toxins, to experiments with meditation, massage and talk therapy. Each shows how lifestyle changes can alter the body’s “terrain” and make it more hostile to the proliferation of cancer cells. His research is coupled with powerful stories of patient remissions (including his own) and easy directions for lifestyle changes, including an “anti-cancer shopping list.” An excellent complement to conventional therapies, this book is a great resource — whether you’re curious about prevention or seeking a more holistic approach to treatment.