Tag: cancer

The Magic of Normal- Book Review

In this post I review Dr. Maky Zanganeh’s memoir, “The Magic of Normal,” which chronicles her journey from fleeing the Iranian Revolution to becoming a successful executive in robotics and cancer research. While the book highlights her professional achievements, it maintains an emotional distance, offering insights into corporate life more than personal struggles. Still, it is a compelling narrative.

The Magic of Normal

Hope, Love, and Beyond

by Maky Zanganeh

Published by Forbes Books January 2025

2025 Global Book Awards Gold Medalist in Biographies & Memoirs – Women

Thank you, NetGalley and publisher, for sending this book for review consideration.

A Driven Life Told at Arm’s Length: My Take on Dr. Zanganeh’s Memoir

A Story That Begins in Revolution

Dr. Zanganeh describes her book as a chronicle of her private and professional journey, though at times it feels more like a book‑length résumé than a personal memoir. She begins in Iran, which she fled after the Iranian Revolution. (Ironically, while I was reading this, the United States—my own country—was in a military conflict with Iran.)

Her family initially supported the revolution, but the country soon descended into war with Iraq. With the means to do so, her parents sent her and her sisters to France, where they lived with relatives, attended college, and where she eventually trained as a dentist.

From Dentistry to Robotics and Beyond

Then her life pivoted sharply. Instead of practicing dentistry, she entered the business world and rose quickly, becoming a high‑level executive at a budding robotics company. She led the team that created the first long‑distance robotic surgery, and later founded another company that developed a breakthrough cancer drug.

A Personal Life Mostly Offstage

Her personal life stays mostly in the background until, almost abruptly, she mentions becoming pregnant. Because of her demanding career, she sent her son to live with her parents, who raised him while she continued traveling the world for work—a lifestyle that sounded exhausting to me, though she seemed energized by it.

Illness, Resilience, and the Pandemic

Everything shifted when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, a disease she had previously encountered only from the vantage point of a medical business executive. The timing was terrible, arriving just as the COVID‑19 pandemic began. Still, she approached her illness with the same determination that fueled her career, and she survived.

Testimonials, Business Lessons, and a Sudden Genre Shift

Throughout the book, Dr. Zanganeh seems to have a knack for meeting the right people at the right time, many of whom offer glowing testimonials in the final chapter. That chapter also includes a lengthy, detailed guide to starting and running a successful company. It felt like it belonged in a separate book and landed a bit flat after the more personal sections.

Admiration, Achievement, and an Emotional Distance

She speaks with deep affection for her family and credits them with much of her success. She also praises her business partners and colleagues, describing their strengths in detail. As someone who has worked in the medical field, I found her accounts of robotic surgery and cancer‑drug development genuinely interesting.

Still, I finished the book feeling that I didn’t truly know her. She is clearly driven by success, validation, and recognition, without exploring the source of that drive.

Her Most Human Moments

One of the most compelling moments comes when she writes passionately about the assault on women’s rights—especially in Iran—and about the suffering in Gaza following the Hamas attack on Israel. She questions why the world continues to fight wars and what it will take for that cycle to end.

My Thoughts: A Memoir for a Specific Audience

While I found parts of her journey interesting, I wouldn’t call this a universal must‑read. It feels best suited for people who are curious about the corporate world or who want insight into how high‑powered executives build companies and careers. Since it’s a Forbes publication, that audience seems intentional. Readers looking for a more intimate memoir will come away wanting more. You may find such insights in the articles on her website.

A Deeper Look

Dr. Zanganeh addressed several personal, health, and professional issues in her book. Based on this review, what else do you want to know about her and her work?

She experienced

  • political unrest and war
  • separation from family
  • personal illness from COVID-19 and breast cancer
  • Her father’s terminal illness and death
  • high-pressure professional life

Which of these resonates with you? If you read her book, which might be of most help to you?

From the halls of MD Anderson Cancer Center as a patient & care giver to her father battling cancer,
to groundbreaking work in medical research,
she illustrates how science, innovation, and community can illuminate the path to recovery.

From Dr. Zanganeh’s website

Photos of Dr. Maky Zanganeh

The cover image of this post was created by JetPackAI available with WordPress.

Exploring the HEART of Health

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Dr. Aletha

Alcohol and Cancer: What You Need to Know

As Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy warned about alcohol’s link to cancer, highlighting that many Americans are unaware of this risk. Alcohol is a significant preventable cancer cause, with various mechanisms contributing to its carcinogenic effects. Education is prioritized over prohibition, urging informed decision-making about alcohol consumption.

Before the end of his term as Surgeon General this year, Dr. Vivek Murthy issued an advisory about alcohol and its association with cancer. Known as the “Nation’s Doctor”, the Surgeon General informs Americans about the best scientific information available on how to improve their health and reduce the risk of illness and injury.

President Trump has appointed two physicians to become the new Surgeon General. The first nomination was withdrawn and the second is pending Senate confirmation.

In this post I explain what Dr. Murthy wanted Americans to know about the risk of alcohol drinking so we can make wise decisions about our personal alcohol use.

Alcohol-Leading Preventable Cause of Cancer

Alcohol use is common—in 2019-2020, 72% of U.S. adults reported they consumed one or more drinks per week. But less than half of U.S. adults are aware of the relationship between alcohol consumption and cancer risk.

The direct link between alcohol use and cancer was first established in the late 1980s, and evidence for this link has strengthened over time.

The risk of cancer is greater with larger amounts of daily alcohol consumption. However, since most people drink small or moderate amounts, there are many alcohol related cases in these groups.

The three leading preventable causes of cancer in the United States are tobacco use, obesity, and alcohol drinking.

Alcohol and Cancer Risk Advisory

How Alcohol Can Cause Cancer

First, alcohol breaks down into acetaldehyde in the body. Acetaldehyde causes cancer by binding to and damaging DNA. When DNA is damaged, a cell can grow uncontrollably and create a cancerous tumor.

Second, alcohol creates “oxidative stress”, which increases inflammation and can damage DNA, proteins, and lipids in the body through a process called oxidation.

Third, alcohol alters hormone levels (including estrogen), which play a role in breast cancer.

Fourth, carcinogens from other sources, especially particles of tobacco smoke, can dissolve in alcohol, making it easier for them to be absorbed into the body, increasing the risk for mouth and throat cancers.

The best-established evidence is on the first two pathways of acetaldehyde and inflammation.

Hormonal regulation and alcohol as a solvent are widely thought to be important pathways for carcinogenesis but are not yet fully understood.

Research also continues on other possible mechanisms, including folate deficiency.

Men and Women are at Risk from Alcohol

Alcohol Associated Cancers

Alcohol drinking contributes to at least seven cancers, all of which are among the most common. These include cancers of the mouth and throat, the larynx (voice box), the esophagus, colon and rectum, liver, and breast in women.

Recommendations to Lower the Risk of Alcohol Related Cancer

The only way to completely eliminate the risk of cancer from alcohol use is to refrain from drinking alcohol. However, no one suggests we should make it illegal to make, sell, or drink alcohol.

The United States tried that in the early 20th century in what was known as Prohibition. But even laws did not stop the flow of alcohol so the law was repealed.

Now the emphasis is on education so people know the risk and make informed decisions about their alcohol use. There are warning labels on bottles of alcohol, for other health-related risks.

In the U.S., pursuant to 27 U.S.C. 215, every alcoholic beverage sold in the United States must currently have the following health warning label: “GOVERNMENT WARNING: (1) According to the Surgeon General, women should not drink alcoholic beverages during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects. (2) Consumption of alcoholic beverages impairs your ability to drive a car or operate machinery, and may cause health problems.”

This label statement has remained unchanged since its inception in 1988.The power to change the label statement lies with Congress.

Given the conclusive evidence on the cancer risk from alcohol consumption, the Surgeon General recommends an update to the Surgeon General’s warning label for alcohol-containing beverages to include a cancer risk warning.

What you can do to lower your cancer risk

People who are already at increased risk of certain cancers will want to consider their alcohol use carefully. For example, people with a family history of colon cancer may want to drink minimal amounts, if at all.

Women who have had breast cancer may want to refrain from any alcohol use. Talk to your doctor about your cancer risk factors and any behaviors that put you at increased risk.

Assess your drinking behavior and the need for change at this link

RETHINKING DRINKING

You can read the full advisory and find other resources at this link from HHS.

Alcohol and Cancer Risk

Information about breast cancer in a previous post

Observing Breast Cancer Awareness

In October, awareness of breast cancer is highlighted. This common cancer affects both women and men, with various types identified. Risk factors include age, genetics, and lifestyle. Early detection and preventive measures can significantly improve outcomes, emphasizing the need for education and support during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Keep reading
Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.'s avatar by Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.

This blog post discusses how to apply statistics to understand risk.

How to Understand Statistics about Health Risks

The article discusses the role of statistics in understanding health outcomes, particularly in breast cancer and COVID-19. It highlights the importance of epidemiology in guiding medical decisions and emphasizes the need for clear communication of data to prevent misinformation. Understanding statistics can lead to better health choices and disease prevention.

Keep reading
Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.'s avatar by Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.

Post Images

The graphics in this post are from the HHS website, Office of the Surgeon General.

A post about the former Surgeon General

Dr. Murthy’s Parting Prescription

In this post I review outgoing U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy’s “Parting Prescription for America” . He reminds us of the importance of rebuilding community through relationships, service, and purpose. The erosion of community leads to disconnection and poor health. Dr. Murthy advocates for a cultural shift towards fulfillment and connection as a path…

Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.'s avatar by Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.

Exploring the HEART of health

I’d love for you to follow this blog and follow me on social media.

I share information and inspiration to help you transform challenges into opportunities for learning and growth.

Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.

I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.

Dr. Aletha