Cancer is an ugly word and its treatments are often just as ugly. While many cancer patients and their families want more options than chemo, radiation, or surgery, finding the time, energy, and resources to devote to uncovering alternative treatments can be overwhelming. That was the motivation behind Ty Bollinger's outstanding reference book, Cancer - Step Outside the Box. Bollinger lost his parents, grandparents, a cousin, and an uncle to cancer, so he decided to do the research. The result is the website, www.CancerTruth.net, and this comprehensive, yet readable, volume on cancer and its alternative treatments, or treatments from "outside the box."

The book is divided into five parts, each building on the previous section. The first is a thorough summary of the shocking current state of "Big Medicine, Big Pharma, Big Profits, and The Big 3." Importantly, sources for independent confirmation of his facts are also provided. The second section of the book covers the basics of biology and cancer as well as nearly two dozen non-toxic treatments. Again, multiple resources for additional information are provided. The next section walks the reader through detoxification, nutrition, super foods and supplements as well as foods and toxins to avoid, and the real truth about GMOs. The last two sections deal with "Facts, Fictions, and Frauds" and appendices that offer suggestions on cancer clinics, the role of exercise in cancer treatment, and one final true David and Goliath story. A glossary of terms neatly fits right after the last chapter.

Written in layman's terms, Cancer - Step Outside the Box takes a large amount of information and pares it down into bite-sized nuggets. What makes this paperback even more useful is the opportunity it affords its readers to do their own further research as they deem necessary or appropriate.

I must admit that the first part of the book is hard to digest. It's hard to believe that dollars are the bottom line motivation in the medical industry. After feeling incredulous, I got mad, and then resolved to encourage people to do their own research and become as informed as possible with regard to their own healthcare options. It's our health, our responsibility, and our choice.

I was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, so I know how difficult it can be to make informed decisions about treatment paths. I have the blessing of a naturopathic doctor friend who helped me wade through pages of written and online information. Even though we were motivated, it was time consuming and emotionally challenging for both of us. Even she and I working together didn't come up with as complete a list of choices as this easy-to-use book. I know that Cancer - Step Outside the Box will help many families deal with this not-necessarily fatal disease. Cancer patients owe it to themselves and their loved ones to properly investigate all the life-saving options available to them!