Integrative Oncology: Summary of Radical Remission
- John Kim
- Jul 3
- 2 min read
Certainly! Here’s a concise summary of Radical Remission: Surviving Cancer Against All Odds by Dr. Kelly A. Turner, PhD.
📘 Radical Remission by Kelly A. Turner – Summary
Radical remission refers to cases where people recover from cancer—often advanced or terminal cancer—without conventional treatment, or after conventional treatment has failed. Dr. Turner, a Harvard-trained researcher and psychotherapist, studied over 1,000 cases of such remissions and conducted over 100 in-depth interviews with survivors.
🔍 Turner’s Core Finding:
There are 9 common healing factors shared by people who experienced radical remissions. Surprisingly, only 2 are physical (diet and herbs); the other 7 are mental, emotional, or spiritual.
🔑 The 9 Key Factors in Radical Remission
Radically Changing Your Diet
Often plant-based, whole foods, organic, and anti-inflammatory
Eliminates processed foods, sugars, and toxins
Taking Control of Your Health
Becoming the “CEO” of your healing journey
Researching options, asking questions, and making active decisions
Following Your Intuition
Tuning into gut instincts to guide medical and life choices
Using Herbs and Supplements
Often with the guidance of integrative or alternative practitioners
Examples include medicinal mushrooms, turmeric, vitamins, etc.
Releasing Suppressed Emotions
Letting go of past trauma, grief, anger, or resentment
Often through therapy, journaling, or energy work
Increasing Positive Emotions
Cultivating joy, gratitude, love, and hope
Using laughter, affirmations, creative expression
Embracing Social Support
Deepening connection with friends, family, or community
Prioritizing meaningful relationships
Deepening Your Spiritual Connection
Can be religious or secular
Practices like prayer, meditation, or nature-based spirituality
Having Strong Reasons for Living
A clear sense of purpose, meaning, or future goals
Feeling deeply needed or committed to something larger than oneself
🧬 What Makes It “Radical”?
These recoveries often defy medical expectations
Patients frequently outlived their prognosis by many years or achieved full remission without or beyond standard therapies
🧭 Key Messages:
Healing is not just about the body—it’s also about mind, emotions, spirit, and purpose
People can take active roles in their healing journey
Hope and empowerment are central to recovery
📚 Legacy and Community
The book launched a global Radical Remission Project, including:
A website and survivor database
Workshops, retreats, and online courses
A Netflix docuseries ("Heal") and a sequel book: Radical Hope
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