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| - Last Updated on November 25, 2024 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
In a recent media interaction, ex-Indian cricketer Navjyot Singh Sidhu claimed that his wife got cured of Stage 4 Cancer by following a strict diet and lifestyle changes. Various social media users are sharing reels created from a part of interview claiming that stage 4 Cancer can be reversed in just 40 days. Our fact-check reveals this claim to be False.
The Claim
An Instagram video by the name @trolls_official posted a recent video of ex-Indian cricketer, commentator and politician Navjot Singh Sidhu claiming in his press conference that his wife’s stage 4 cancer was cured in 40 days following a strict diet of lemon water, neem leaves and turmeric. He also mentioned about starving the Cancer cells to kill them.
The same reel has been shared by multiple other social media accounts here and here.
The topic has also been amplified by a number of media platforms highlighting parts of the interview and also tying it up with “Ayurveda”.
Fact Check
Can you kill Cancer cells in the body by starving them?
One of the primary claim that Mr. Sidhu made in his press conference is that Cancer cells will die if we starve them. He mentioned about a strict diet regime his wife was put on to reverse Cancer in 40 days. The diet regime is similar to Intermittent Fasting where people are advised to eat at certain gaps. Fasting has been linked to Cancer in multiple occasions and has already been fact checked by us. In the same aspect, there is also a popular belief that fasting of sugar can also kill the Cancer cells, something that also is not true.
If a person chooses to fast (for few hours to longer duration), the effect of fasting will be uniform on his body. Cancer cells cannot be isolated separately and treated with fasting.
That said, there can be certain benefits of fasting to people undergoing Cancer treatments like Chemotherapy. Speaking to THIP Media, Dr Pooja Khullar, Radiation Oncologist, Dharamshila Narayana Super Specialty Hospital, New Delhi, had earlier mentioned on this topic, “Fasting is sometimes seen as a potential way to support cancer treatment. But, it’s crucial to understand that it is not a cure for cancer. Some studies are investigating whether fasting might make cancer cells more sensitive to treatments like chemotherapy. However, this research is still in its early stages.”
It needs to be noted here that Mr. Sidhu accepted in the interview that his wife was undergoing proper Cancer treatments – something the media reports and social media users ignored and credited the entire recovery to strict diet regime including fasting.
Can Neem leaves, Turmeric and Lemon Water cure Cancer?
Turmeric and products related to turmeric have been wrongly linked with Cancer cure and Cancer prevention a number of times in the past. These were fact checked by us multiple times and we had found no scientific evidence to support the tall claims made related to turmeric consumption and Cancer cure. Curcumin (found in turmeric), have shown promise in laboratory studies for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, these findings do not equate to a cure, especially for advanced cancer.
Neem leaves may have a lot of health benefits, however being able to treat and completely cure Stage 4 Cancer is not one of them. There is complete lack of any medical research on this and most experts we talked to dismissed the idea.
Lemon juice, Hot Lemon Water and Lemon peels have been linked to Cancer cure for long and have been fact checked by us multiple times in the past. While lemon juice is proven to have some anti-cancerous properties, it is a gross exaggeration to say that drinking lemon water in the morning will cure Cancer.
Dr. Manish Singhal, Senior Oncologist, explains (in the video below) that lemon water is a good source of Vitamin C but cannot be treated as a Cancer medicine.
Does Ayurveda offer a proven cure for stage 4 cancer?
No, Ayurveda does not provide a proven cure for stage 4 cancer. Unfortunately, a number of media houses have used the term ‘Ayurveda’ and Mr. Sidhu’s suggestion on diet interchangeably. Ayurveda, in its scriptures, do not share any treatment for Cancer.
Dr P Rammanohar, Research Director, Amrita School of Ayurveda shares, “Cancer is not a single disease and there is no remedy for cancer. Different types of cancer are treated with different procedures of chemotherapy. One drug/herb does not work across all cancers. Even though some studies have shown that some plant/herbs may have anticancer benefits, they cannot be used to treat patients. The reason is the lack of enough studies that can show the impact of the plant/herb against cancer in humans.”
In stage 4, the disease has often metastasised, meaning it has spread to other organs, making it significantly more challenging to treat. No Ayurvedic remedy has been clinically proven to reverse such extensive cancer progression.
Many Ayurveda specialists believe that Ayurveda processes can work along with regular Cancer treatments to enhance their effectiveness or give the patient some relief from the side effects. But even then, promoting Ayurveda as a sole replacement of treatment procedures like Chemotherapy is misleading.
Dr Mohit Sandhu, Consultant Ayurveda Professional from Gurgaon says, “Cancer can be treated with integrative medicine (Ayurveda + Allopathy). In allopathy, IV chemotherapy can be administered based on the cancer grade, but it severely impacts the immune system. In such cases, Ayurvedic medicines can complement allopathic treatment to manage these side effects. Additionally, the Ahara-Vihara (lifestyle and food) principles in Ayurveda can help fight cancer by supporting the body in combating cancer cells. Ayurveda Rasayana Therapy (ART) has shown tumor regression and increased survival in chemo-intolerant high-grade stage IV follicular lymphoma, as demonstrated in a case study. But relying only on ayurveda is misleading.”
Experts also cautions against over relying on Ayurveda for Cancer treatments.
Dr Sukrit Kumar, Medical Director at Rainbow Children’s Hospitals, Delhi, informs “Cancer’s complexity demands interventions targeting specific mutations, cellular pathways, or immune responses—areas where Ayurveda lacks the precision of modern medicine.”
It needs to be mentioned here (again) that Mr. Sidhu has accepted the fact that his wife has undergone regular Cancer treatments along with the herbal remedies he was promoting.
Can stage 4 cancer be cured in 40 days by any means?
Curing stage 4 cancer in 40 days is medically implausible. Stage 4 cancer is the most advanced form, with treatment goals typically focused on extending life, managing symptoms, and improving quality of life rather than achieving a cure. Treatments require time, precision, and often a combination of approaches tailored to the specific type of cancer. The suggestion that such a complex disease could be eradicated within 40 days oversimplifies the realities of cancer treatment and recovery.
Dr Sarthak Moharir, Chief Radiation Oncologist, Apollo Cancer Centre, Bilaspur, informs, “In the case of cancer medicine and Oncology, no drug has been proven to cure cancer. Hence, no herb/herbal drug/herbal drug cocktail is used in any treatment algorithm for any kind of cancer. Cancer treatment protocols are made by clinicians and scientists after analyzing thousands of patients backed with robust data and evidence. The day a herb is proven beyond a reasonable doubt to help cure cancer, with acceptable side effects, it will become a part of the treatment protocol.”
Cancer is a critical disease. The treatment methodology varies from person to person and also on the type of Cancer. “Quick Fix” solutions promoted on social media for all Cancer types are often aimed at getting more viewership and lack any scientific evidence.
Dr Shalin Nagori, a Consultant Pathologist and Industrial Physician, Halol, Gujarat, says claims of quick cures are often based on misinformation and can divert attention from vital, evidence-based treatments, especially in cases of stage 4 cancer.
Can depending on herbal treatment prove to be dangerous for Cancer treatment?
Relying on herbal treatments for Cancer treatments could lead to delays in receiving effective, evidence-based treatments. Time is critical in cancer management. Advanced treatments, such as immunotherapy or targeted drugs, are often the best hope for extending survival or achieving remission. Turning to unproven methods could delay these life-saving interventions, allowing the disease to progress unchecked. It is essential to view any alternative medicine as complementary rather than curative, integrating it into care plans under the guidance of qualified oncologists.
Dr Pooja Khullar, stresses that there is no single method to treat or prevent cancer. A well-rounded approach is key, involving a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, regular exercise, avoiding smoking and alcohol, reducing exposure to carcinogens, protecting your skin from excessive sun, and attending regular health check-ups. While these measures can help reduce the risk of cancer, they are not a cure for the disease. She underscores the importance of prioritising overall health and seeking personalised advice from a medical professional.
Dr. Manish Singhal, Senior Oncologist at Apollo Hospital, Delhi, clearly discourages on unscientific herbal treatments for Cancer cure.
In response to Mr. Sidhu’s viral video about his wife’s Cancer cure diet and lifestyle, the Tata Memorial Hospital released a statement signed by 262 oncologists. The statement urged people ‘not to get fooled’ and requested them to continue with evidence based care. “We urge the public to not delay their treatment by following unproven remedies, but rather to consult a doctor, preferably a cancer specialist, if they have any symptoms of cancer. Cancer is curable if detected early and proven treatments for cancer include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy,” the statement issued in ‘public interest’ read.
Promoting unverified cancer cures can lead to false hope, financial exploitation, and poor health outcomes. Claims like ‘curing cancer in 40 days’ can be harmful, as they often exploit the desperation of patients and their families. This not only diverts them from effective treatments but can also result in significant emotional and financial burdens. Scientific and medical communities stress the importance of verified treatments supported by extensive research, clinical trials, and peer-reviewed evidence to ensure patient safety.
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