Reviewed by Vernita Naylor for Readers' Favorite

A Way Back to Health: 12 Lessons from a Cancer Survivor by Kelley Skoloda is the author's personal journey when she was diagnosed with colon cancer. What would you do if you were told that you had cancer or some other type of illness? Would you fight it or succumb? When Kelley discovered that she had colon cancer during her first routine colonoscopy exam, she knew that she had to take control of her life by educating herself, creating changes, and making the right decisions. Kelley never imagined that cancer would invade her life because she considered herself a healthy person who was physically active and watched what she ate. While she struggled with the challenges of the surgery, doctor visits, treatment, and the healthcare system, she wanted to keep everything private but, as she continued through the process, she realized that she must share her story with others to help them. Within each chapter, Kelley gives a frame of reference to outline the lessons she learned and the emotions she experienced during this painful process.

Cancer doesn’t care who it attacks as is shown in A Way Back to Health. The information is helpful and eye-opening. I appreciate the transparency of Kelley and the testimonies of others in telling their stories, despite how painful it must be to relive them. Colon cancer is among the leading forms of cancer. The recommendation to start screening is at age forty-five due to cases rising amongst this age group. Whether you have been diagnosed with cancer or any other type of illness, some things that Kelley suggests are to trust your gut, look for signs for confirmation in taking the next step, research and educate yourself, enjoy each moment, meditate, express your gratitude for the little things, stay encouraged and advocate for yourself. This book does not provide medical advice nor is it a substitute for consulting a doctor for your own diagnosis or treatment but, through Kelley's experiences and the other testimonies you will be able to gauge how to use the information. While each story is different, the main message is that improvement is much needed within the healthcare system, from the hospitals, medical staff, and treatment to healthcare insurance. The healthcare system should be focused on patients, from support to a successful recovery, and they should not be treated as a number or dollar sign. Highly recommended.