The Cancer Roadmap: New science-backed guide to your cancer treatment path, by expert Dr Liz O’Riordan

by Dr Liz O’Riordan

What is cancer? What causes it, and why do some people get it, while others don’t?

And with so much conflicting information now available – who can we really trust for sensible medical advice anyway?

‘We wholeheartedly recommend The Cancer Roadmap’ The Bone Cancer Research Trust

‘This book is essential, both a courageous no-nonsense companion and a comforting balm.’ Donna Ashworth

We all want certainty and hope for ourselves or those we love after a cancer diagnosis, but what we really need is honesty and truth.

In The Cancer Roadmap, breast cancer surgeon and three-time cancer patient Dr Liz O’Riordan confronts the big cancer truths (and myths), offering clear, evidence-based answers. She breaks down the latest research to give the facts you need to make informed treatment decisions that are right for you or your loved one.

She gives definitive answers to common questions such

Is it your fault you got cancer?Do you need to stop drinking alcohol?Can you cure cancer by changing your diet?Does alternative medicine work better than chemo?
Dr Liz also suggests meaningful, practical steps to reduce the risk of future recurrence, even when the odds feel stacked against you.

Let her guide you through your cancer journey with confidence and clarity, and give you the best chance of your cure.

317 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2025

Reviews

[Brenna Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liz is a gift to the world of oncology with her experience, knowledge, approachability and relatability. As a healthcare provider familiar with the concepts of oncology, I initially wasn’t sure if this book would be for me. I gave it a try because I love Liz’s honest and informed other works and, as a current breast cancer patient, I find relating to others’ experiences very healing. This book both taught me new concepts and affirmed previous knowledge in a way that felt empowering for my own journey. I would recommend it to anyone going through cancer who wants to understand a little bit more about the ‘why and how’ of treatment and survivorship.

[Pam]

Excellent resource for anyone supporting a loved one on a cancer treatment journey.

[Jackie Murrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is less a self-help guide to getting through cancer and more an explanation of what cancer is, how it sometimes recurs and, centrally, how important it is to follow medical advice and conventional treatment rather than to put faith in stories online and in social media about alternative “miracle cures.” This is something that has not really been done before, and is even more valuable as Liz O’Riordan is a former breast cancer surgeon who herself has had breast cancer and is still on preventative medication. She explains the science clearly in a way that is easier to understand, but without patronizing the reader, and debunks the myths about what causes cancer and what supplements or therapies are claimed to “cure” it. Her most scathing passages are reserved for claims about so-called natural regimes that cause patients to refuse conventional medical treatment, and cites several horror stories about people who have died unnecessarily after doing so. She does not go in for patient blaming, guilt tripping or denial of occasional treats, but advocates helpful and proven practices to aid recovery and help with side effects, such as exercise, healthy diet and some complementary therapies. A useful tool for anyone diagnosed with, experiencing or worried about cancer and confused about all the information-and misinformation- out there.

[Claire Young · Rating 2 out of 5]

I debated leaving this review as I think Liz means well but I felt there was real bias within the book towards poo pooing anything that isn’t the standards of care and not enough balanced consideration of repurposed medicines alongside this. She did mention her bias within however. The research included was very much picked to back up the points being made and more up to date data could have been considered (I appreciate that as soon as something is published it can become out of date).

I found it quite hope reducing and disarming as opposed to empowering.

As I read the book it made me think of a point that James clear made in his book Atomic habits that making small improvements on a daily basis can lead to a significant difference in the long-run. I felt Liz book took the opposite approach when talking about risks. Why wouldn’t we try to make a range of changes to risks we are engaging in if they increase our risks of getting cancer?

Maybe it’s a personal approach but I’d rather do anything I could to reduce any risks.

[Clare Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you are newly diagnosed or, like me, navigating the choppy waters of life after treatment this is an invaluable book. It is written in an engaging and informative way explaining what cancer is, how and why it develops and how treatment works. Dr Liz explains how cancer misinformation has evolved and debunks so many false claims. The book concludes with practical, sensible advice about what we can do to help ourselves. I read this book in just two sittings and am sure I will return to it again and again. Highly recommend.

[Dina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be one of the staple books about cancer because it is written from the cancer patient’s and doctor’s points of view. The writer was a breast surgeon and breast cancer patient, so you can expect this book to be objective and empathetic at the same time.

This book answers patients' and their families' questions about cancer and casts a light upon the dark alley of misinformation. For a layperson like me, the tone of this book is not condescending; the explanation is easy to understand without sugarcoating.

[Lucy Wainwright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must read for anyone who has cancer and also friends and family members supporting them. I read this 11 months post my second cancer diagnosis following multiple treatments; I really wish I had read it sooner. Liz and this book have given so much hope for ehich I am grateful. It has been a refreshing read compared to other cancer books which I have been gifted during my recouperation, which spoke of alternative and natural therapies and I considered to be potentially dangerous books for some.

[Reb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a useful book, written by a knowledgeable and straight-talking doctor with first-hand experience as a cancer patient. Dr Liz decodes the often-quoted statistics and unfamiliar medical-speak, as well as debunking cancer myths using reliable evidence.

My only grumble is the lack of an index, which would have made it a lot more usable as a guidebook.

[Tonja Henson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing read from Dr. Liz O’Riordan!

I am so grateful to Dr. Liz for her insight and encouragement as I’ve found myself on this breast cancer journey. Read her books! Follow her socials! She’s my calm in this cancer storm.

[Renita D'Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Illuminating