Unproven remedies

Some people, on hearing that their cancer has spread and cure is unlikely, turn away from regular medical treatment, feeling that it has failed them. You may think about trying an unproven remedy, especially if it seems to offer a ‘cure'.

Unproven remedies are treatments that have not been tested in clinical trials or scientifically proven to be effective. Many are promoted in books or through the Internet to people with cancer. They include magnets, diets from which a whole food group is removed or a supplement or supplements added, coffee enemas, fresh cell therapy, microwave therapy, oxygen therapy and laetrile and other plant products.

Some unproven remedies are harmful, for example taking high dose vitamins while having some chemotherapy or eating a diet that takes out foods that are important for your health and wellbeing. Unproven remedies:

• can be very expensive
• sometimes require you to travel to other countries or interstate
• generally waste time, money and energy
• can be physically stressful
• often require major changes in lifestyle.

Some people spend a lot of time and money pursuing unproven remedies which turn out not to work. Afterwards, they often regret the time they lost.

Sometimes practitioners of unproven remedies make people feel guilty when their treatment doesn't work. This is unjustified and unhelpful, and a clear sign that you should not continue with that practitioner.

Question all information you read or are given about cancer ‘cures'. Whether it comes from a medical practitioner or a practitioner of unproven remedies, ask questions, verify claims, seek supporting information and be sure that the practitioner is qualified and trustworthy. One or two books by people who deliver a certain treatment is not strong evidence. Look for articles in recognised medical or scientific journals. Recognised medical journals are listed in PubMed, an international database of biomedical journals.

Let your doctor know if you plan to use unproven remedies. It will help them to understand your needs and to advise you how to avoid any adverse interactions.

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