Dr. Thomas Cowan argues that the prevailing oncogene/genetic model of cancer is incomplete and that metabolic dysfunction and deterioration of the cell's structured (gel-like) water in the cytoplasm underlie cancer development. The book reviews the failures of the 'War on Cancer', proposes a terrain- and metabolism-centered view of cancer etiology, and discusses alternative, mostly non‑toxic prevention and treatment approaches that the author says merit further research and patient access.