Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips

by Kris Carr

An advice-from-the-trenches cancer survival guidebook for young women with cancer.

Actress and photographer Kris Carr thought she had a hangover, but a Jivamukti yoga class didn't provide its usual kick-ass cure. A visit to her doctor confirmed her "liver looked like Swiss cheese," covered with cancerous tumors. She entered trench warfare (wearing cowboy boots into the MRI machine, no less), vowing, "Cancer needed a makeover and I was just the gal to do it!" She began writing and filming her journey, documenting her interactions with friends, doctors, alternative "quacks," blind dates, and other women with cancer--sadly a growing group. These include hip, young women such as illustrator-author Marisa Acocella Marchetto (Cancer Vixen), Glamour writer-editor Erin Zammett (My So-Called Normal Life), MTV personality Diem Brown (Real World/Road Rules Challenge), model Sharon Blynn (founder, Bald Is Beautiful), and music manager Jackie Farry, among others.

The Learning Channel is broadcasting the premiere of Carr's unforgettable documentary, Crazy Sexy Cancer on August 29, 2007 @ 9:00-11:00pm (ET/PT).

CRAZY SEXY CANCER TIPS gathers the lessons learned and advice offered from Carr's own journey, as well as the experiences of her cancer posse. Full-color photos accompany personal stories and candid revelations in this scrapbook of advice, warnings, and resources for the cancer patient. Chapters cover your changing social life, dating, sex, and appearance; essential health tips on how to boost your immune system; recipes; medical and holistic resources; and information on young survivor support groups. The resulting book is a warm, yet informative tool for any woman newly diagnosed with the disease and for those who love them.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Self Help, Memoir, Nutrition, Science, Biography

431 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Kris Carr is a multi-week New York Times best-selling author, speaker and wellness activist. Kris is the subject and director of the documentary, Crazy Sexy Cancer, which aired on TLC and The Oprah Winfrey Network, and the author of the award-winning Crazy Sexy Cancer book series. Her latest books, Crazy Sexy Diet and Crazy Sexy Kitchen, will change the way you live, love and eat! Kris regularly lectures at hospitals, wellness centers, corporations such as Whole Foods, and Harvard University, and is a Contributing Editor for Natural Health Magazine. Some media appearances include: The New York Times, Scientific American, Glamour, Vanity Fair, Good Morning America, Today, The Early Show, CBS Evening News, The Gayle King Show, and The Oprah Winfrey Show. As an irreverent foot soldier in the fight against disease, Kris inspires countless people to take charge of their health and happiness by adopting a plant-passionate diet, improving lifestyle practices, and learning to live and love like you really mean it. Her motto: Make juice not war!

Reviews

[Shari Larsen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Even though I am living with stage IV breast cancer myself, I don't read a lot of "cancer books"; most of them don't address the issues of people like me, who have to live with a disease that is incurable. But since this one was free on Kindle, and the author herself has an incurable cancer, I gave it try.

I have mixed feelings about this book; some parts I could relate too, some not at all. Ms. Carr's cancer is one that cannot be cured, but can be managed and lived with, which is my situation right now. She was diagnosed at an age considered "young" for cancer; I was kind of at the "tail end" of what is considered young for breast cancer when I was diagnosed at the age of 39 about 7 years ago. I know what she means by learning to live with the cancer as a chronic disease. A lot of the things she learned though, I have already figured out for myself having lived with the disease for as long as I have, I think this book would be more helpful to someone newly diagnosed than someone who has been living with it for awhile.

I liked her sense of humor about her situation; kind of a "gallows" humor at time, but that kind of humor is something that usually only another person with cancer can understand. Sometimes you just have to laugh just to keep from crying all the time.

I really liked the section of things NOT to say to someone with cancer, especially, "Your so brave!" I HATE it when people say that to me!

The chapter on nutrition I was not very impressed with; Ms.Carr really believes in colonics and enemas, something I am not in to. She pushes a raw food diet also, and as someone who is is living with gastroparesis, can't eat most of the foods she talks about. There are recipes in the book, some of which sound good, and even if they were foods I could eat, most have ingredients that are expensive or hard to find.

I also think she made cancer sound for the most part, easy to live with, and it's not. I'm glad she is doing a lot better, and found things that work for her, but there are many of us struggling day to day with health problems from our cancer, and permanent side effects from the treatments.

[Hilary · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was our book club book for August. My friend that chose it is dealing with being a cancer-co-partner according to the book. Although much of the information was interesting (food, recipes, etc) much of it was not - I find it hard to believe masturbating gets rid of cancer. Although I suppose you never know. I found the author to be so beyond annoying that even if what she was saying was correct, it was presented in the most annoying way that I automatically discredited her. I don't recommend this book to anyone. i hated reading it and it took all I could to finish it.

[Jenny · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author of this book, Kris Carr, describes it as a "stitch-and-bitch cancer hens book" which turns out to be too true for my taste. Criticisms: Far too many references to designer shoes and makeup, chalk full of bios of women who are too vain to list their weight, and ubiquitous suggestions toward "shopping therapy." At times I felt Carr was simply using the book to brag or journal rather than help others- like when she wrote several pages describing dates she went on. I couldn't manage to find the pertinence. Additionally, Carr gives questionable nutritional advice with nary a reference. My favorite is when she shuns coffee and tea as a means by which to consume quality water. Where's the logic in that? Despite the fact that these beverages act as diuretics, if you take away the coffee beans and tea leaves, you're left with whatever type of water you chose with which to brew/steep them (hopefully pure filtered water).

All that being said, she does cover nearly every topic I can think of that one might need to consider after a cancer diagnosis and the book is a nice, light read which is a fun and refreshing break between reading medical journal articles and pathology reports. The idea of the book was to give cancer a "makeover" and gear that makeover toward women who feel they're too young to have cancer. I think she may have successfully tailored to the majority of that audience.

[hhhhhhhhh · Rating 2 out of 5]

I learned some interesting therapies and techniques, including some yummy recipes, and the power of positive thinking goes a long way to curing yourself, no doubt. HOWEVER the author comes across as irritatingly narcissistic. Don't get me wrong--cancer was an opportunity for me to focus on myself too, but I never assumed everyone in the world wanted to hear how awesome I am all the time, how much my parents adore me, how omigosh I landed a man in the middle of all this! Here's his picture! Isn't he hot? Goshdarnit I'm so fierce and crazysexy! Look at our wedding pictures! Did I mention my fabulous modeling career, which I gave up to live in rustic bliss with my sexxxy husband and eat Vegan from Whole Foods? Cause I'm worth it! I was a Budweiser Girl! I'm so pretty, look! Do I look like I have a terminal disease? Now I'm a professional photographer! *cue more pedestrian snapshots*

The one of her meditating on a rug made me retch... The book was equal parts fake-spiritual and boring. A sense of humor and a little toning down of the incessant self-portraits would have taken the bad taste out of her over-privileged, self-serving little ego trip. Should have been titled Cancer Made Me a Shallower Person, but someone funnier already used that one. Still worth the two stars for the food recipes.

[Kate M · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this based on the title, and the fact that I REALLY appreciate the author's impetus to give cancer a make-over--trying to get others to see us as people and not just cancer patients is indeed important. That said, I would not recommend this book to any of the cancer patients that I know.

First, the author clearly is a model/actress (which she mentions a lot) and not a writer, it shows in her prose and the fact that she uses exclamation points every other sentence! I'm encouraged to write my own memoir based on the fact that hers was published.

Second, she gives tips for how to deal with treatment when in fact she has not been in chemo, radiation, nor has she undergone surgery for her cancer. I understand hers is a rare cancer and the process of acceptance may be the same for her as it is for those of us in the toxic, debilitating treatment but the fact that she tries to tell us chemo patients how it will feel to lose our hair is out of line. She does not have a clue.

Last, she comes off as self-centered and a bit arrogant. I think this may be a product of her inadequate writing, but she may just be bragging that she hasn't had to undergo treatment and can feel sexy.

[Maryann · Rating 1 out of 5]

Since my own cancer diagnosis in 2021, I've been reading LOTS of books about cancer. The whole "crazy sexy" thing made me steer clear of this series. But then I read "I'm Not a Mourning Person" by Kris Carr and really loved it, so I thought I'd give this a try. It's a little hard to imagine these two books being written by the same person.

I gave it a lot of grace for being written in 2006/2007, as was glaringly obvious from its lack of awareness of privilege, fatphobia, heteronormativity, etc. I imagined Kris must have been, like, 23 when she wrote it...but she was 36. I couldn't believe she included things like her bf/husband saying that expressing his feelings made him feel "a little bit fruity." The fuck????

By the time I made it to "nutrition" section, I was pissed. I've been able to avoid a lot of the "eat clean" books about cancer up to this point, and this one affirmed that choice. Enemas and juice cleanses and stories about people curing their cancer without any treatment but changing their diet... The author comes across as an self-ordained expert on "cancer-fighting" foods, giving all kinds of instructions and commands without the necessary caveats that these things should be discussed at length with your oncologist and medical team to see if they're right for your body and your cancer.

It was also obvious that the book is meant, overall, to be light-hearted and funny, but the attempts at humor are cringe-worthy. I won't be recommending this to anyone who wants books about living with cancer.

[Brianne W · Rating 2 out of 5]

While this book did do some work in helping me feel connected and recognize some commonalities in cancer narratives, it is so steeped in capitalism and consumerism, traditional ideas of feminity and homonormativity, and a fucked up desire to be super thin, I was super turned off. The author's privilege is constantly on display and frequently nauseating. Many of her suggestions don't ring true for me - I can't use sauna's because they mess with my treatment and my goal is to gain weight, not lose it for the approval of others (i.e. men). Its white, upper-class, uncritical perspective was grating. There was ONE black woman featured in the book and, refreshingly, she was the only one not preoccupied with being thin and having things. Sheryl Crow's intro, was good, though.

I am clearly not the audience for this book, and I would guess you won't be either if you are feminist, queer, anti-capitalist, black or brown, working-class, and/or a combination of any of these categories. Not only are you not featured, but you also don't even exist in the world of the author.

[Genoa Yox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. For those going through a health crisis and are looking for inspiration during such a difficult time, look no farther. This book will make you laugh, cry and give you hope. Kris Carr is an amazing individual, I hope to be able to meet her someday.

[Dsm Jsm · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are some really good, practical tips in this book, but the nutrition sections contain a lot of detox-type myths that arent scientifically based and could actually be harmful.

[Mary Karpel-Jergic · Rating 5 out of 5]

The energy that Kris Carr generates jumps out from every page of this book. Written in a very informal style (more magazine than book) it grabs you from the start and hugs you through to the end. All of this from a young woman diagnosed with a rare vascular cancer stage IV (there is no stage V). As she says herself, she's been pretty lucky, 'cancer light' she calls it, inasmuch as she did not have to undergo some of the wretched treatments others have to endure, but an outcome of this 'luck' is the opportunity to channel her energy and interests into creating a life whilst living with an incurable disease. This book passes on what she has learned not only from her own experience but from a range of other interesting women all coping with cancer too. Unfortunately, at the time of my reading, some of these remarkable women have died.

As Kris states "living with cancer is all about mental management" and this book goes straight to the heart of this matter, showing that it is possible to live with cancer without thinking of dying everyday.

When she was first diagnosed in 2003, there wasn't much accessible information and what was, was aimed at young children or older adults. Kris decided that cancer needed a makeover and so began writing and filming her journey with the disease. This connected her with a lot of other women and the film prompted this book.

Although written with a younger person's outlook I think the book is of value to any woman of any age (perhaps even men as well) who wants to live as fully as possible.

[Starry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Analogy: This book is to women who are dealing with cancer what the Red Hat Society is to women of a certain age (ie, aging). Both promote a positive, whimsical attitude toward something often shrouded in dread and fear. Both are useful to some women and seem superficial to others. Like me.

Some of the advice in this book is straight from your doctor and your own common sense: get plenty of sleep, drink clean water, eat a healthy diet, surround yourself with supportive people. Other advice is anecdotal and of questionable value: namely, the cancer-fighting values of wheat grass smoothies, the vegan diet, fancy bottled water, sex, colon cleansing, etc. Yeah.

The skeptic in me sees this book as a self-promotion tool of a 30-something-year-old actress of modest occupational success. Her beautiful self is pictured throughout the book (as are her glamorous friends / co-survivors). The kind soul in me congratulates this woman on a positive attitude and humor… and new career as an author and film maker on the topic of her own cancer (whoops, there's that inner skeptic again!)

If you need your cancer-fighting experience to be “crazy” and “sexy”, then consider reading this book. If not, there’s plenty of good advice out there in other forms and with better credentials. As for me, I’m tired of being given cancer books and have no patience for sassy ones. There’s much better reading material out there.

[Jennifer Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is full of a lot of good information and humor. The author decides to create a "posse" of fellow survivors after her own diagnosis of cancer. However, all of her "posse" are good-looking, successful women - all with hair except one. I think the group of survivors that she portrays in the book is a bit unrealistic. She doesn't really cover going through treatment (chemo)as she does not have to have chemotherapy herself. Also, she describes selling her apartment and traveling the country for a year, seeking alternative therapies and learning about nutrition, meditation, acupuncture, etc. How realistic is this for many cancer patients? I think the book is good for younger people that are single or without children. I enjoyed it, but felt like a lot of it did not pertain to my own cancer journey.

[Lisa Nienhaus · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure this book is for everybody. It came recommended to me, so I got it from the local library. I will say I like Kris Carr's spirit. This book definitely gives you a sense of her personality, spunk and perseverance. I don't have Cancer, but know plenty of people who do. If you are dealing with cancer, in any capacity (as a friend, a caretaker, yourself...) I do recommend this book. Kris tells her story and those of many others. They discuss everything from diet and exercise, to sex and relationships to working VS not working during your illness, and just about everything in between. For those of us supporting somebody with cancer, it gives advice as to what drives the cancer patient crazy, what is considered rude, and I do feel that helps a lot.

[Gigi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kris Carr's outlook on cancer isn't for everyone, but for me it was a perfect fit. Being in your 30s with your whole life ahead of you when diagnosed with cancer is shocking, and people react differently. For me, my diagnosis has helped me see with more clarity what's important in my life. Kris Carr's positive attitude in this book is exactly how I found myself reacting to my cancer, yet many people around me were skeptical. Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips not only helped me see that it wasn't wrong of me to feel the way that I did, and also gave me great tips to get through the tough parts and live life to the fullest.

[Chelle_Rydz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just finished Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips before I send to my sister. It’s a pick with some interesting information and tips, but it’s definitely geared towards younger cancer patients which I found a bit frustrating since I don’t consider myself ‘old”.
While I really love Kris’ voice and some of her ideas, I wish it didn’t keep mentioning “young” cancer patients and survivors. When does one have to leave that club?
I skipped most of the sections on makeup and dating.
I don’t agree with some of the tips in the book, I plan on incorporating others.
Overall I found it inspiring and worth the read. Take away what you need and leave the rest.

[Sharon Gausch · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book contains lots of good info, tips, and resources for women battling cancer. It is upbeat and affirming, which I liked and appreciated. But the author's writing style and voice were too perky, and the back and forth between her voice and the voices of members of her "posse" were often unclear and confusing. I liked the message and content of this book, but not the style.

[Patty Schultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading Kris' outlook on cancer helped me make the time I needed for myself. I have breast cancer, and am a single mom. There are ZERO support groups for single parents. I tweaked the book to help myself through my cancer I journey.

[zenbetty · Rating 4 out of 5]

i saw the documentary Crazy Sexy Cancer, and ran out & bought three copies of this book, one for me of course...

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even if you don't have cancer-this is a fabulously fun read about a lot of amazing women, and tips for healthy living

[Fai H · Rating 2 out of 5]

Excellent tone, easy for me to digest as I research my SO's diagnosis. Refreshing and uplifting.

[chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

liked: that she got outside the box of western medicine.
didn’t like: I understand the thinking of “treat yourself”. I get it. I do. however, I won’t be “treating myself” by putting a bunch of “treats” (i.e. purchases) on my credit card (and she’s assuming we’ve all got credit cards and there’s room on it/them to add additional charges) so I put myself (potentially) deeper in debt. so then, not only am I attempting to navigate my health challenge, I’m also dodging the collection agencies calls about getting them their money. I dunno. call me cray-cray, but not sure that’s good advice. also, I dig that she went on that retreat thingy with her friend. great! however, another assumption she’s making, is that we all have apartments/property etc we can sell (easily) and get enough cash to do that kind of stuff. again, bad advice, in that it’s not very helpful for the mom, working three jobs, living in county/city housing, trying to raise her kids AND heal AND try alternative stuff. I really really didn’t like how so much of the advice wasn’t broken down into pieces that practically anyone can do, money or not. and it really felt like the book was written for a specific market, not just with the diagnosis, but the outlook and lifestyle (like having an apartment to sell so you can go on a retreat). which apparently, I AM NOT THAT MARKET.
and related to friends: I have some incredible friends. I don’t have any that have the time or energy or are close enough to organize book binders and stuff of my papers, insurance, bills, etc. like I literally have no one that has the capacity to do that for me.
also, remember, that while we’re all the same to an extent, our bodies are different. one example is the extreme raw diet, which may be great for one person, and horrible for another (as in how their individual body reacts to it). don't kill yourself trying to heal.

[Bernadette Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was diagnosed with breast cancer three months after my husband died of cancer. This book was one of three books gifted to me shortly after my diagnosis.

I had important decisions to make while under the influence of grief and shock, and knew I could not abide the “one size fits all” approaches advised by some of the doctors on my team. Managing my mental and emotional terrain was paramount. Kris Carr’s Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips gave me permission to research and choose options that resonated with me. Taking into consideration the circumstances of loss in which I found myself, this book was my “go to” when I needed to lighten up and find my power as I decided my course of treatment. It gave me the oomph to say, “No” to approaches that left key components of my life out of the equation. Surviving what was happening to my body was not going to be enough. I had to create an environment where I could thrive, an environment I could maintain without my husband.

To be honest, I did not read the chapters in “order of appearance.” I picked through – but always managed to land on the chapters I needed at the time. I found the format very conducive to quick “pick me ups.” Being in my early 60’s at the time of diagnosis, I explored what my version of care could look like and found this book very supportive of that. I am now three-plus years beyond a mastectomy and so far so good. I feel physically strong and have no fear – no matter what happens down the road.

I found her tips helpful and uplifting, and the experience, strength, and hope in these pages, refreshing. Yes, there are more “serious” books on breast cancer and nutrition out there (I have them) but this book earned its place on my shelf. Thank you, Kris Carr.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am a stage 1 breast cancer survivor. Until this book I have avoided all “cancer” books. But this looked fun and intriguing. At first, I liked it…the story of her diagnosis and the support she had, what her life is now. Some of the tips I wholeheartedly agree with - I was not much of a journal writer until my diagnosis but am now. The role of supporting your fellow survivors especially the newly diagnosed - I am surprised by how much I’ve connected with people. The “what to say, not say” - yes!

What I found most irritating were the short bios of survivors. If there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s to CELEBRATE your life - I am grateful my cancer was caught early and I’m still alive on this planet. I am 57 years old and there’s nothing wrong with saying your true age. Because how many people die from cancer before they reach 57? Celebrate! Don’t deny! These survivors didn’t want to say their age. And honestly most of the women were underweight - 5’7” and 110 pounds?

Then all of her medical advice???? She’s a photographer, people. She has no business giving such advice. Raw food diet? Colonics? Don’t drink milk. Something about oxygen in your cells….she suggests drinking a few gallons of water. It Was Ridiculous. I survived cancer so you know what….I will enjoy my life which includes a nice medium-rare filet with a glass of red wine. Or maybe a sweet cupcake. When I got to this part of the book I just deflated….

Oh, not to forget the “buy myself a beautiful hand mirror and put on some Barry White to explore my vagina” suggestion. What the what.

Sorry, but she’s weird and should not be giving medical advice. It started off so well and could’ve been such a good resource for cancer survivors….

[MoMo Book Diary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't have cancer. I have a brain tumour. I read this book out of interest rather than to help me on a cancer journey.

The author, Kris Carr, is living with an incurable cancer diagnosis which she is managing.  In my experience everyone dealing with cancer does so in their own way – rarely do two people share the same experience. I think this book could be helpful to someone newly diagnosed rather than someone who has been living with it for some time.

There is a good sense of humour throughout the book. Sometimes you need to laugh just to keep from crying all the time.  The section on things not to say to someone with cancer was informative.

[Hope Irvin Marston · Rating 3 out of 5]

I fought my battle with breast cancer nearly thirty years ago. Though I did not have many of the usual ill side effects from the chemotherapy or my mastectomy, I've tried to try to keep abreast :) on how cancer is treated today since I have too many friends fighting this battle now.

This book is upbeat in nature and is suited especially for younger women...let's say below fifty...who are dealing with this unpredictable invader. That said, I would have given it a higher rating if the language had not been so offensive and the behavior suggestions were not so promiscuous.

[Barbara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book, but it came across as more shameless self-promotion for a wannabe actor than an actual book about cancer. It might have been the age difference; I'm 52, and I could not relate to many of the things that Kris went through, although for younger women diagnosed with cancer it probably would give some good advice in terms of finding a support group, keeping track of your medical bills and what insurance does (and doesn't) cover, and some life stories from other women diagnosed with cancer.

[Scott Delgado · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I didn't like this book as much as I was hoping I would, I'll also admit that I'm not a woman with cancer--so who cares what I think!? :) There is a lot of shopping/retail therapy in here. I appreciated the author's humor here and there, and I found chapter 6 to be very interesting and informative for ANYone, not just cancer patients. We always hear how we should eat better, but I appreciated the way that chapter really broke things down and, frankly, put a little fear in me. I hope to make some changes to my diet based off of the information in that chapter. So yay for that.

[wendy martinenas · Rating 5 out of 5]

worth the read

I got comfort from this book hearing about Kris’ diagnosis and how she was feeling at the time. While I don’t want anyone else to suffer it helps to know that I am not alone in this journey. It was one of the first books I read on the subject and I highly recommend. It’s full of tips and suggestions on how to work to beat stage 4 cancer. It gave me hope in a time of despair.

[CarrieLyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This would get 4 stars if I were a younger reader. I felt so old compared to the author and most of her case studies. Thankfully, I don’t have to worry about fertility or finding romance post cancer diagnosis. I’m also not sure about “sexy” either at my age. But I enjoyed it. I will take away some ideas with regard to eating more raw food (and encouraging my kids likewise) to prevent future cancer. And comedic entertainment as therapy is also something I’ll have faith in.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a lymphoma survivor, I wish I had read this earlier in my cancer journey. I thought the first half of the book had Great tips and Information.

The diet section: I agree with moving away from the standard American diet but don’t agree with all her dietary recommendations. Each cancer is different as is each person and their diet requirements.