A World without Cancer: The Making of a New Cure and the Real Promise of Prevention

by Margaret I. Cuomo MD

A provocative and surprising investigation into the ways that profit, personalities, and politics obstruct real progress in the war on cancer - and one doctor’s passionate call to action

As a diagnostic radiologist who has watched patients, friends, and family suffer with and die from cancer - and who was deeply affected by the enraged husband of one particular patient - Dr. Margaret I. Cuomo has been inspired to seek out new strategies for waging a smarter war on cancer.

About 1.6 million new cases of cancer are diagnosed a year, and more than 1,500 people die each day. We’ve been asked to accept the disappointing strategy to “manage cancer as a chronic disease.” We’ve allowed pharmaceutical companies to position as breakthroughs cancer drugs that extend life by mere weeks and may cost $100,000 for a single course of treatment. Where is the bold leadership that will transform our system from treatment to prevention? Have we forgotten the mission of the National Cancer Act of 1971 to “conquer cancer?”

Through an analysis of more than 40 years of medical evidence and interviews with the top cancer researchers, drug company executives, and health policy advisers, Dr. Cuomo reveals the intriguing answers to these questions. She shows us how all cancer stakeholders - the pharmaceutical industry, the government, physicians, and concerned citizens - can change the way we view and fight cancer in this country.

About the Margaret I. Cuomo, MD, is a board-certified radiologist and served as an attending physician in diagnostic radiology at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, New York, for many years. Specializing in body imaging using CT, ultrasound, MRI, and interventional procedures, much of her practice was dedicated to the diagnosis of cancer and AIDS.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Science, Medical, Audiobook, Medicine

Audible Audio

First published October 2, 2012

Reviews

[D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Think a mixture of an introduction to cancer textbook and a peer review of current prevention measures and treatment options of cancer. The first four chapters give an introduction to what cancer is and the basic biomechanics behind some of its most prevalent forms. If you are familiar with BRCA1/2, COX-2, etc., consider skipping ahead to chapter five where she delves more directly into her thesis. Her thesis statement is more research should be steared towards preventing cancer instead of treating it. Interesting statement however there was very little in the book about those current efforts. She does introduce some prevention techniques and efforts but she mainly argues for her thesis by pointing out the shortcomings of cancer treatment. Then again, that might be her point - she has to use this approach because cancer prevention is a very low priority in the research community.

The target audience is anyone interested in cancer. If your understanding of cancer is anecdotal, you'll have a working understanding of what cancer is and how it's being treated after completing the book. If you know cancer all too well, you'll appreciate the aggregation of treatment and prevention options. You can be selective on what to read but if questions come to mind as you are reading, keep reading for a few more pages beyond your planned stop point because more than likely, your questions will be addressed.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the book. The United States government has been battling cancer since 1971 When President Nixon signed "The National Cancer Act" calling for massive research to be done to end cancer. Here we are in 2018 and some cancers have become worse. I really like the authors idea of trying to prevent cancer before it occurs rather than finding better ways to beat cancer once you have it. As I'm getting older, I know I have to take better care of my body and I will be doing some of the things recommended in this book.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most proposed solutions have to do with public policy rather than individual actions.

[Fit4Life218 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though this book was written in 2012, there’s still a lot of truthful information about cancer that is sadly still our reality 12 years later: there is no cure for cancer.

Because the large pharmaceutical companies are the major financial contributors to research & their multi-gazillion dollar industry does NOT want a cure. 😉

Only 4 🌟 because as a healthcare professional I firmly believe in ‘people first language’ vs. ‘diagnosis first language.’

I prefer…..’people with cancer.’

The book is written as…..’cancer patients.’

Check it out….this is a good book to listen to while doing other things. 🫶

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to this one. Super interesting views on cancer funding and research. Sad how much could be improved.

[lynch · Rating 4 out of 5]

first part of the book is really good. i liked theoretical part but economy (second) part of the book is a little bit boring.

[MaryKai Boulton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This information is more than a decade old, but still very relevant, adding to her belief that we are not moving forward in the field of cancer prevention.

[Billy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a bit of a mixed-bag for me.

There were several things that made me cringe:
- it's written entirely for a US audience (with a few shout-outs to the UK), but I suppose this was necessary given our unusual medical system
- the first ~third of the book seems largely intended to convince the reader that there's a problem. Duh.
- numerous averages, dollar comparisons, and quotes were bandied about without indication to the reader that the appropriate considerations were made (e.g., gaussian distributions? inflation adjusted? reliable opinion?)
- there were a few times where I questioned the ethos of the author. Why is she trying to convince me?
- the book begins and ends with a long list of the first names of cancer casualties. The author notes that virtually everyone knows someone who's struggled with the disease, but feels the need to tug at your emotional strings. Twice! I get that she might want to get the readers' attention, but...

The book does makes some strong points:
- more than 50% of deaths in the US are attributable to diseases that are connected to specific behaviors, heart disease and cancer
- the US medical system does not emphasize prevention well enough and, if we're serious about having a healthy population, this should be incentivized
- in order to have a sustainable health system, an evidence-based cost-benefit analysis should be performed when considering treatment options
- some specific behaviors are presented that may (statistically) reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease: exercise, eating loads of fiber and vegetables, and being sure to get ample amounts of vitamin D3 and calcium
- for whatever cultural reasons, the western world seems individually affected by cancer, but we can't seem to experience this collectively enough to motivate consensus and change
- privacy laws, academic glory via publication, drug patents, and the lack of treatment cost considerations are barriers to the most effective vaccine and treatment development

Overall, many of the points presented need to be made part of regular public discourse, IMHO. The author does a good job of presenting the history, need for change, and directions for personal and societal improvement. The book might be more engaging and therefore, more widely read, if it was more concise. Again, IMHO.

[Scott Seeger · Rating 2 out of 5]

I sort of hated this book. It gets everything wrong. It basically says that the problem is our current health care system. We need to take that system and shove it down everyone's throats harder and harder.

Also the second half of the book is dedicated to different ways we can prevent cancer. Some of these made me cringe because they involved outlawing lots of chemicals and plastics and foods that have brought so much advancement to society. If we implemented these suggestions we'd have step back a 100 years in advancement and violate a lot of human rights.

There really wasn't much about actually curing cancer. I want scientists to cure the cancer, not tell me that eating tomatoes will reduce my prostate cancer by 3%.

[Phyllis Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must admit I skimmed much of this book because what was so really good about, the stats and data, was also a bit thick. However, if you want an insider's view into the current state of what's good and bad for ridding the world of cancer, read this book. Margaret Cuomo focuses on the need to redirect emphasis from treatment to prevention. Her chapter on nutrition was excellent. A good overview of how cancer policy in the United States has developed and where it has gone wrong.

[Louise Silk · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everyone has somehow been affected by cancer and Dr. Cuomo tells the entire story including methods of research and prevention that will make a significant difference. It is important information that suggests ways each of us can get healthy and lower our risk of cancer- regular exercise and eating only organic as the two most basic we know but still have to enact.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging perspective on cancer, its treatments and why the focus needs to be on prevention. I am not sure the solution proposed would be effective (too politically based in my opinion). Wide-spread awareness of nutritional and environmental aspects of the disease is critical in the battle against cancer. Easy to read text, and some new information to be gained here.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An terrific book. I found it to be very informative, I agree strongly with the point of view of the book. I felt it was very well written and is accesible to lay people as well as medical professionals.

[Barbara A · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was expecting a bit more on prevention, and not so much on the horrors of chemotherapy. It wasn't until the very end of the book where supplement research and studies were discussed. All in all, an Informative read.

[Barbara A · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative and gruesome details. Would have liked to have read more chapters devoted to prevention. I am still taking vitamin D3 everyday, but now take more IU's per day. Remember one and all, eat as fresh as you can, exercise and stay away from chemical exposures.

[Elizabeth]

As seen on Medscape.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compelling argument for shifting more resources toward cancer prevention presented in a logical, engaging, and interesting way. I don't often read this type if book, but glad I did this time.

[Rebecca Schultz · Rating 3 out of 5]

First "cancer" book I read. Very interesting opinions on creating a cure vs sustaining life with the disease and money vs politics.

[BLACK CAT · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eat natural things avoid sugar, hydrogenated fats and too much salt. Take calcium and vitamin D, exercise, use native-inflamatories (omega 3), avoid the use of statins, take probiotics,