Abdelrahman
Navigating the Risks of Alternative Cancer Treatments: A Survivor’s Perspective
As a cancer survivor, I recently experienced a shock when I watched Netflix’s new series "Apple Cider Vinegar." The show poignantly depicts the fatigue and hopelessness that countless cancer patients endure, along with the tempting idea of opting out of conventional treatments for supposedly “natural” remedies. It also unveils the troubling aspects of the alternative health sector—a space where dubious practitioners and social media influencers target those most at risk. Their assertions are delivered with notable confidence, yet they often lack credible, peer-reviewed evidence.
This struggle resonates deeply with me, as I came close to succumbing to these temptations myself.
My breast cancer diagnosis came in December 2022. Eager to take action, I quickly arranged consultations with surgeons, but most appointments were deferred until mid-January due to the holiday season. Rather than simply waiting, I sought to utilize this time wisely and consulted Dr. T, an integrative medical doctor, to see if any supplementary therapies could improve my well-being while I awaited treatment.
Although Dr. T supported my choice to undergo surgery, she introduced me to Dr. D, another holistic practitioner specializing in thermography. This thermal imaging method purportedly identifies abnormal temperatures on the breast’s surface that could indicate inflammation or tumor growth.
What truly intrigued me, however, was an offhand comment made by Dr. T about Dr. D’s purported success in "healing" a breast cancer patient without resorting to surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. As a science writer with a curiosity for alternative medicine, I was compelled to investigate further: Could thermography actually detect my cancer?
Upon entering Dr. D’s clinic, I noticed a serene, spa-like atmosphere— a refreshing contrast to the stark, fluorescent-lit offices where I’d previously undergone breast screenings.
The thermogram procedure involved capturing nine thermal images with a specialized camera, followed by a “cold challenge” where I submerged my hands in ice water to observe my body’s response. I learned that healthy tissues would cool consistently in response to brain signals, while inflamed or cancerous regions would retain heat, appearing as “hot spots” on the imaging.
I was fascinated, but several warning signs became evident: thermography has not been approved by the FDA as a legitimate diagnostic method for breast cancer, and the technician operating the equipment turned out to be the doctor’s spouse.
After an excruciatingly long wait for my results, I entered Dr. D’s office, where things took an unsettling turn. He presented my colorful thermogram report, acknowledging that it had failed to detect cancer; instead, it merely indicated “extra heat” in my breast, categorizing me as “high risk.”
Then came his unexpected claim: he attributed my cancer to having received “too many COVID vaccinations,” and advised against any more shots. I was baffled, as there is no scientific basis linking COVID vaccines to breast cancer or other so-called “turbo cancers."
I pressed for clarification, "What about my family history? My mother had the same type of cancer in the same breast at the same age." Dr. D dismissed this concern, insisting it was indeed the vaccines, before transitioning to promoting a product called Super Mineral Water, which he claimed could detoxify my body and possibly aid in my healing.
At this point, I felt a mix of horror and embarrassment over falling prey to this charlatan’s claims. I quickly gathered my belongings and left.
Afterward, I turned to online forums discussing thermography and discovered a chilling account about Morganne Delian, who had been advised to choose thermography over a mammogram upon noticing a lump in her breast. The practitioner assured her there was no lump but warned her of a “mild to moderate risk” of developing aggressive breast tissue. Months later, after finally undergoing a mammogram and a biopsy, she faced a Stage 3 breast cancer diagnosis.
Such narratives serve as stark reminders of the dangers associated with unverified screening methods and alternative treatments. Practices ranging from coffee enemas to Gerson therapy, as well as products like black salve and high-dose intravenous vitamin C, are aggressively promoted by various healthcare providers despite lacking rigorous scientific validation.
What continues to draw many individuals to these alternatives? Partly, it stems from a desire for control during an incredibly frightening time. A cancer diagnosis can feel disempowering; you often find yourself subjected to a treatment plan prescribed by unfamiliar experts. Alternative medicine appears to offer a sense of empowerment and tailored care, devoid of the complex statistics and side effects that accompany conventional treatment plans. In a landscape where cancer therapies can be daunting, this simplicity and promise can seem irresistible.
After my own diagnosis, one of my most beneficial decisions was to place my trust in my medical team and the science underpinning their choices. I relinquished the fantasy of an idealized healing experience, like the idyllic retreat shown in “Apple Cider Vinegar,” and faced the unvarnished reality of sterile hospital settings where my surgeon expertly removed my tumor, leaving me cancer-free.
Now, I adhere to a screening routine that includes an annual mammogram and a breast MRI, in line with protocols designed for women like me who are at a higher risk and possess dense breast tissue. I also take tamoxifen daily, a preventive medication that I will continue for a minimum of five years, guided by my oncologist’s expertise.
Ultimately, science saved my life and continues to do so for countless others. In these times when skepticism toward regulatory bodies and scientific communities is on the rise, it’s vital to remember the value of evidence-based care. "Apple Cider Vinegar" highlights the predatory attitudes of those who manipulate truth for personal gain, emphasizing the urgent need for us to place our trust in established science.
The question remains: Are we willing to listen?
Note: Some names and identifying details have been altered to protect the privacy of individuals mentioned in this essay.
About the Author:
Jennie Durant is a science writer, researcher, and breast cancer survivor currently working on a book about declining bee populations, set to be released by Island Press in 2026. Her work has been featured in various publications, including the San Francisco Chronicle, Grist, and Salon. To connect with her, visit her website or check her research on Google Scholar.
