Breast Cancer

Available from: PMS Publishing Ltd 92 Albany Highway Albany , Auckland ph/fax 09 4422492 email: choicesforyou@xtra.co.nz $29.95 GST inc.includes Post & Packaging in NZ

 by Pam Stevens. 2007 ISBN 978-1-877449-39-0

The subtitle of this book will make anyone with an interest in Breast Cancer sit up with a jolt.  My first thoughts were that at last someone has the mettle to say it, and because of it, will no doubt be shot down in flames without a single word even been read.

I hope all will read this book especially the medical community.

The book is written to pass on knowledge and ultimately offer choice when important decisions have to be made regarding Breast Cancer. It is not long being a mere 115 pages.

Pam Steven’s introduction is most interesting and obviously influenced Pam and her decisions. She states that back in 1928 Dr D.T.Quigley noted that “Cancer or suspected cancer should be handled as carefully and as gently as though it were an acute streptococcal infection. This should be remembered both in making examinations and in operating”.

And since 1928 the breast cancer treatment and identification process has become a developed industry.

Chapters are discussed around the subjects of mammography, biopsies, chemo, radiation, and drug treatment with that 1928 observation in mind.

HRT, lymphodema, massage and counseling are also covered.

New to most readers will be the chapter on Breast Thermography as a harmless, pain-free screening tool, and Intravenous Vitamin C as chemotherapy.

The author is adamant that the Intravenous Vitamin C regime has improved her survival chances and aided recovery having being diagnosed with bone metastases. She did not choose conventional chemotherapy, radiotherapy or drugs.

Regretfully the author has not referenced this chapter, but has for others to give her forthright comments more credibility.

The author is to be admired for her encouragement to women to make a difference in eliminating cancer. She notes that the cancer epidemic is not some great mystery and that women must invest their time and money in projects, initiatives and treatments that will truly create change.

 Pam Stevens offers sensible if not scientific advice, and if we can all take this book in the spirit in which it was written it is a breathe of fresh air that needs to filter through the industry.

Pam’s difficult journey will assist women now and hopefully create debate as to whether we are in fact handling cancer in a careful gentle manner that Dr Quigley recommended.

Reviewed by Sue Mcleod

Ist Published In Upfront Issue 75 pg 11 by Breast Cancer Network NZ INC
"Editors Note: BCN does not advocate the use of CAM as an "alternative" to conventional breast cancer treatment, but acknowledges the role that CAM has for some patients in combination with conventional treatment or as a means of managing the side -effects of both treatment and disease."

CAM -Complementary and Alternative Medicine