**Cancer Patients Using Alternative Therapies Face Double the Risk of Death, Warns Oncologist**
Cancer patients who turn to alternative therapies in place of conventional treatments may be putting their lives at serious risk, according to a leading oncologist. Researchers have revealed that those opting for unproven complementary therapies are twice as likely to die compared to patients who rely solely on medically recommended care. The findings, which stem from a landmark study, have reignited debate over the role of alternative medicine in tackling such a critical illness.
Alternative treatments – a term that can include practices like homeopathy, acupuncture, chiropractic therapy or restrictive juice diets – are often marketed as hopeful options, either alongside or instead of traditional interventions such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery. Despite their popularity, experts stress that there is little to no compelling evidence to support their effectiveness in curing cancer.
The study in question, initially published in 2018 in JAMA Oncology, tracked over 1,200 cancer patients in the United States between 2004 and 2013. Patients with breast, prostate, lung or bowel cancers were divided into two groups: 258 who pursued complementary medicine, and a larger cohort who did not. Researchers carefully analysed outcomes for both sets of patients over a ten-year period.
A striking pattern emerged: individuals who chose alternative therapies were notably more likely to refuse or delay components of their conventional treatment plans, such as chemotherapy, targeted medication, surgical procedures or radiotherapy. According to the study’s lead author, Dr Skyler Johnson, a radiation oncologist at Yale University, this refusal contributed directly to the stark increase in mortality.
Dr Johnson stated, “The fact complementary medicine use is associated with higher refusal of proven cancer treatments as well as increased risk of death should give providers and patients pause.” He went on to clarify that using complementary medicine in an attempt to manage symptoms or side effects may be reasonable, but believing such approaches can cure cancer in place of established treatment is dangerously misleading.
The dangers are all the more concerning in light of recent estimates that more than one third of cancer patients now experiment with alternative remedies. Many believe that combining these therapies with mainstream medicine might improve their prognosis. However, the Yale study found that among patients with potentially curable tumours, choosing alternative treatments was closely linked to skipping vital aspects of conventional care – which in turn led to a doubling in the risk of death.
Expanding on their findings, Dr Johnson commented: “Patients who received complementary medicine were more likely to refuse other conventional cancer treatment, and had a higher risk of death than those who did not use complementary medicines. However, this survival difference could be mediated by adherence to all recommended conventional cancer therapies.”
Senior author Professor James Yu highlighted that many patients are influenced by persistent myths and misinformation. “Past research has shown the majority of cancer patients believe complementary medicines will improve survival, but our examination of the literature found scant evidence to support this belief,” Professor Yu explained.
Coauthor Dr Cary Gross called for a stronger focus on patient education, emphasising the importance of addressing misinformation that circulates widely outside the medical community. He noted, “The sources of misinformation need to be better understood so that patients aren’t being sold a false bill of goods.”
The research team stresses that open, proactive discussions between patients and clinicians are essential. Many patients may not disclose their use of non-medical therapies, which can hinder effective care planning. Dr Johnson and colleagues advocate that, for those with treatable cancers, adherence to the full spectrum of recommended conventional treatments should be urgently prioritised and discussed.
As cancer care continues to advance, this study serves as a timely reminder that treatment decisions should be informed by robust scientific evidence. While some complementary therapies may help with symptoms or side effects, substituting unproven alternatives for established cancer treatments can have fatal consequences. Healthcare professionals urge patients to communicate openly about any therapies they are considering, ensuring their care decisions place proven survival outcomes first.