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| - Last Updated on October 18, 2024 by Nivedita
Quick Take
A social media post claims that leech therapy can cure all types of cancer. We did the fact check to term this claim as False.
The Claim
A viral Instagram post claims that leech therapy can cure all types of cancer for just 500 rupees. The video encourages people to choose this alternative treatment over conventional methods such as chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation.
Fact Check
What does leech therapy involve?
Leech therapy, also known as hirudotherapy, involves using leeches to draw blood. It has been used in traditional medicine for as early as 1500 BC and is still applied in specific medical situations. This particularly applies to improving blood circulation after reconstructive surgery. However, there is no scientific evidence that leech therapy can treat or cure cancer.
While exploring alternative therapies, it’s essential to consider the sources of our food and how they might impact overall health, as discussed in our examination of farm-raised eggs.
What are the side effects of leech therapy?
Leech therapy can cause several side effects and complications:
- Infections: The most common risk is getting an infection, especially from bacteria called Aeromonas, which can be hard to treat.
- Allergic Reactions: Some people might have allergic reactions to the saliva of the leeches, usually after several treatments.
- Bleeding: Blood may keep oozing from the bite area for a long time, and some people may need medical help to stop it.
- Leech Movement: Leeches can sometimes move to areas where they aren’t needed, causing extra blood loss.
- Skin Problems: Rarely, people can develop skin issues like lumps where the leeches were applied (Pseudolymphoma).
- Other Symptoms: Swelling, itching, and fever can happen, which may feel like an allergy or infection.
- Higher Risk for Some People: Those with bleeding disorders or weakened immune systems should not use leech therapy.
Using antibiotics beforehand can help reduce these risks.
Can leech therapy replace standard cancer treatments?
No, it can’t. Standard cancer treatments—like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation—are backed by research. They work by targeting cancer cells directly to remove or destroy them. Leech therapy has no scientific evidence in humans showing it can do this. Relying on it instead of proven treatments can allow cancer to grow and lower the chances of recovery. Some people also suggest that marijuana is better than chemotherapy. But, this isn’t true.
Is there any proof that leech therapy can cure cancer?
No, currently there is none. Leech therapy may help with blood flow and prevent blood clots in some cases, but there’s no evidence it can cure cancer or shrink tumours. Cancer is a complex disease, and each type needs specific treatments. Leech therapy is not part of any of these treatment plans.
Leech therapy is gaining interest in cancer treatment due to the unique enzymes found in leech saliva, which can help prevent blood clotting. While this approach may not be suitable for individuals with specific blood cancers, it shows promise in potentially slowing lung cancer’s growth and spread.
In a 2021 study, scientists discovered that the proteins in leech saliva could provide a novel method for treating breast cancer by disrupting the blood vessels that tumours need to grow. However, further studies are essential to establish a reliable and effective leech therapy treatment for cancer patients.
Research shows that leech saliva extract induces cell death in prostate cancer cells and significantly reduces PSA levels and tumour size in mice, with no major side effects observed. We still need more research in humans to substantiate this.
We spoke with Dr Akanksha Chhabra, Medical Oncologist, Max Healthcare, New Delhi, for her expert insights on leech therapy for cancer. She states, “While leech therapy has shown some promising effects in laboratory studies, there’s currently no conclusive evidence that it can cure cancer. It may have potential as a complementary treatment, but patients should rely on established medical therapies and discuss any alternative options with their healthcare team.”
We also connected with Dr Pooja Khullar, Radiation Oncologist, Dharamshila Narayana Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, for her take on leech therapy for cancer. She says, “Leech therapy is an intriguing area of research, particularly for its anti-inflammatory properties. However, it’s important to understand that cancer is complex, and no single treatment has been proven to cure it. Evidence-based therapies should always be the primary focus, while supportive therapies like leech therapy can be explored under professional guidance.”
The popularity of leech therapy is immense. This is evident from the fact that people also recommend leech therapy for acne and hyperpigmentation. However, this isn’t proven and comes with several risks.
What are the risks of using leech therapy for cancer?
Using unproven methods like leech therapy can be very risky, because it can:
- Delay treatment: Skipping proper treatment lets cancer grow, making it harder to treat later.
- Serious complications: Using leeches without medical supervision can lead to infections, allergies, and heavy bleeding.
- Missed opportunities for recovery: Proven cancer treatments work best when started early. Choosing unproven methods can waste valuable time.
Why is it harmful to promote such claims?
Claiming leech therapy can cure cancer is not just misleading; it’s dangerous. Cancer patients need treatments that have been proven to work. There have been viral social media claims like blowing balloons for curing lung cancer or bee venom for breast cancer. However, these are not reliable cancer cures. Promoting unproven methods can lead to patients delaying or skipping effective care, putting their lives at risk. Be cautious of any claim suggesting an easy, one-size-fits-all cure for cancer.
THIP Media Take
Leech therapy does not cure cancer, and there’s no evidence to suggest otherwise. Trust proven treatments and always consult healthcare professionals before trying any alternative methods.
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