Self-Empowerment for Those with Cancer

review by Katherine Duff

, by Dan Kenner, PhD, LAC

New Harbinger Publications Inc.; 5674 Shattuck Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609

©2009; Softcover; $21.95; 185 pp.

After a diagnosis of cancer, the patient is certainly faced with the question of, now what? The flood of emotions often leave the person feeling powerless, compounding the ill effects of an already delicate state. Recent research has opened the door to many avenues to escape that powerlessness as we see in The Whole-Body Workbook for Cancer, by Dan Kenner, PhD, LAC. For those asking, where do I start? this book offers step-by-step instructions that could lead to improved outcomes and empowerment at a time when it is most needed.

This book is intended to complement traditional therapies for cancer treatment, so it is concerned with what Louis Pasteur referred to as the terrain, or internal environment of the person, not the specific cancer treatments available. The work facing the patient would be to integrate the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual for maximum health and coping strategies. Not only will patients regain control of their life, but they would also improve their terrain to minimize metastasis.

We learn that everyone harbors potential cancer seeds in the form of defective cells that are the source of the disease. The human body has several mechanisms to prevent them from forming cancer, but their failure is what results in cancer growth. Also, the state of our internal environment can promote or inhibit growth of these cancer cells. Oxidative stress, inflammation, blood vessel formation, and lack of immune competence promote cancer growth.

Kenner brings together some important information in this discussion so that we have a greater understanding of how our internal environment can help or hinder healing. The mind–body connection even becomes more clear when he explains the biochemical reactions to stress and trauma that are the same as those found in response to infections or other physical assaults on the body. An example of this can be found in his discussion of the natural killer (NK) cell. This sentinel for the immune system is the first line of defense against viruses, bacteria, and other invaders, and is also correlated to emotional stress. The author notes that even self-criticism reduced NK activity.

Control of inflammation is another important factor in maintaining a healthy inner environment. First we must understand that inflammation is actually a healing process, not an illness. When cancer is present, the same substances used in the healing process of inflammation are subverted to assist the cancer’s growth and proliferation. Where healthy inflammation is programmed to stop when healing has occurred, the cancer cells keep growing unchecked. The two key chemicals involved in this inflammatory process are interleukin-6 (IL-6), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB), a protein complex that controls IL-6. In another example of the mind–body connection, the author notes that a study of men with depression found significantly higher levels of IL-6 and NF-kB.

Kenner’s program to rebuild the inner terrain includes Seven Elements: Detoxification; Diet; Supplements; Lifestyle; Exercise; Emotional healing; and Psycho-spiritual healing. There are chapters that discuss each of the elements, and what stands out about each is Kenner’s gentle approach. This is not about preparing for a marathon or dieting for weight loss; rather, it is learning what inhibits and what promotes cancer growth, and working to correct those influences in the mind and body. For example, detoxification includes a five-day diet rather than a fast. Exercise recommendations are geared to the individual. The discussion of emotional healing involves therapies for releasing negative emotions that could be stimulating the very chemicals we need to reduce, such as the stress hormone cortisol. For psychospiritual healing, Kenner offers a variety of meditation practices, from the traditional to those he calls the simplified and the ultrasimplified.

Where the war on cancer has left us frustrated for the lack of cures, this book shows us that there has been valuable knowledge gained in the research. Kenner has most ably consolidated this information in an easy-to-read and -implement format. For those diagnosed with cancer, those in the limbo of a “wait and see” diagnosis, and anyone who wishes to improve general health, this book offers a positive alternative to powerlessness.

Pearl: “The central purpose of this book is to help you overcome the feeling of powerlessness and to give you the necessary tools to empower yourself. Feeling powerless can be as hazardous to your health as any environmental toxin or damaged gene.”