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Non-Fiction

Neoma

(10,039 posts) Mon Jul 16, 2012, 11:04 AM Jul 2012

The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer by Siddhartha Mukherjee

Good book so far. Although, more depressing if you've been directly effected by cancer. But I think understanding the disease helps pull through any type of phobia of cancer that anyone has been exposed to over the years.

Anyone else read this? (If you're into Oprah's book club, this would have been one of the books apparently.)

4 replies

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The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer by Siddhartha Mukherjee (Original Post) Neoma Jul 2012 OP

Yes, I've read it, and no I have not been personally affected by cancer. SheilaT Jul 2012 #1

I have 6+ relatives who has had or has cancer. Neoma Jul 2012 #2

I think the genetics matter more in some kinds of SheilaT Jul 2012 #3

Well, my mom's cancer was environmental. Neoma Jul 2012 #4

SheilaT

(23,156 posts)

1. Yes, I've read it, and no I have not been personally affected by cancer.

Reply to Neoma (Original post)

Tue Jul 17, 2012, 01:26 PM

Jul 2012

My genetic line is remarkably free of it.

What I appreciated the most about the book was how he carefully explained how it is that a cancer can eventually happen.

Neoma

(10,039 posts)

2. I have 6+ relatives who has had or has cancer.

Reply to SheilaT (Reply #1)

Tue Jul 17, 2012, 01:31 PM

Jul 2012

Not so sure that it's genetic though.

SheilaT

(23,156 posts)

3. I think the genetics matter more in some kinds of

Reply to Neoma (Reply #2)

Wed Jul 18, 2012, 10:35 AM

Jul 2012

cancer than in others.

Perhaps there's a generalized genetic predisposition for cell growth to go crazy, which is more or less what cancer is.

All you can do is live as healthy a life as you can, get reasonable check-ups, and don't dwell on a lot of bad what-ifs.

Neoma

(10,039 posts)

4. Well, my mom's cancer was environmental.

Reply to SheilaT (Reply #3)

Wed Jul 18, 2012, 10:52 AM

Jul 2012

That's all I meant by that.

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