Book SummaryRadical Remission, by Kelly A. Turner

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Radical Remission

In Radical Remission, Kelly A. Turner explores the phenomenon of unexpected recoveries from cancer. She identifies nine key factors that contribute to these recoveries, based on interviews with over 100 cancer survivors and 50 alternative healers. Turner argues that these factors, which include dietary changes, emotional healing, and spiritual practices, can be used to prevent, treat, and overcome cancer, even in cases where conventional medicine has failed.

Turner is a researcher, author, and lecturer in the field...

Radical Remission Summary Defining Radical Remission & Research Methodology

We'll now define what the term Radical Remission means and discuss Turner's research approach.

What Constitutes a Surprising Recovery?

Turner describes a radical remission as an unexpected recovery from cancer according to statistics. She explains that it can occur in several ways: when an individual recovers from cancer without resorting to standard medical treatments; when a patient attempts conventional treatments unsuccessfully and then moves to alternative approaches that result in remission; or when a person combines both conventional and alternative healing techniques simultaneously to surpass a grave prediction (any cancer with less than a 25 percent chance of five-year survival). Turner notes that unexpected recoveries are uncommon, but many have undergone them. However, it's difficult to determine the true frequency of their occurrence because there's no methodical means to monitor them.

(Shortform note: To determine whether a cancer has “less than a 25 percent chance of five-year survival,” clinicians look at survival curves for that type of cancer. These curves are based on large groups of...

Radical Remission Summary The Nine Crucial Elements for Recovering Radically

Turner explains that Radical Remission involves nine main elements that contribute to healing. Each person's physical, mental, and spiritual system is unique, so the factors that matter most for healing will differ for each individual. She points out that these elements aren't rare, expensive, or difficult to obtain. Though these take effort, research shows they all support health. They can be used to stop cancer from developing, to treat cancer alongside Western medicine, to treat cancer without Western medicine, or to avoid cancer's recurrence.

When the Nine Main Elements May Not Be Enough

While the nine main elements may be helpful in many cases, there are some situations where they may not be enough. For example, some cancers are highly curable with standard treatments, such as early-stage breast cancer or testicular cancer. In these cases, delaying or refusing conventional treatment in favor of alternative approaches can lead to worse outcomes. One study found that patients who chose alternative medicine instead of conventional treatment for curable cancers had a higher risk of death. This suggests that...

Shortform Exploring Emotional Wellbeing in Radical Remission

Explore the impact of emotional wellbeing on healing in the context of Radical Remission.

How might releasing repressed emotions influence your immune system's ability to combat cancer?