Saturday Quack – Alternative Medicine Treatment for Cancer

In 2003 a study was done in Norway that assessed how frequently cancer patients used alternative medicines. Out of 512 cancer patients, 112 (22%) used alternative medicine remedies to treat their cancer. Of the 350 patients who died in the next 8 years, death rates were higher (79%) in those using alternative medicine than in those who did not (65%).

This year, there was a report at the meeting of the American Society of Breast Surgeons on 33 breast cancer patients. Of 11 who refused surgery, 10 had progression of their cancer. By refusing chemotherapy, 9 patients increased their estimated 10-year mortality rate from 17% to 25%.

These results may help patients faced with difficult decisions, and who are considering alternative treatments to those offered by their health providers. If they are still in doubt, they should read a Quackwatch article on the subject.