Doctors told facts on Navjot Singh Sidhu's claim of wife's recovery

Former cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu recently held a press conference outside his home in Amritsar, where he revealed that his wife Navjot Kaur Sidhu is now medically cancer free. She talked about her inspiring journey in overcoming stage 4 cancer with metastasis. During the conference, Navjot also shared the treatments he received in government hospitals as well as the Ayurvedic diet he adopted. He urged the public to believe in the possibility of cancer cure through both medical treatment and Ayurvedic diet.

His statements have aroused curiosity among health lovers about the potential of dietary choices and lifestyle in cancer recovery. To clarify claims regarding strict diets, NewBharat TV Consulted multiple health experts and cancer experts, and here's what they had to say:

'Change in diet alone cannot cure cancer'

Dr. Rekha Arya, MBBS, MD (Radiation Oncologist), Senior Consultant-Yashoda Cancer Hospital, Sanjay Nagar, Ghaziabad, said, “Dietary changes play a supportive role in cancer treatment by improving outcomes, reducing side effects and enhancing overall health. Can perform.” However, they cannot cure cancer on their own.”

He further explained, “Appropriate treatment, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, is essential. Patients should not delay it in favor of unproven, diet-based treatment, as this may lead to poor outcomes and lower survival rates. A nutrient-dense diet, along with regular exercise, adequate hydration and adequate sleep, can complement traditional cancer treatment by supporting immune function and overall well-being. inclusion of foods “You get essential nutrients from the antioxidants that promote better health and recovery while reducing processed and sugary foods.”

'No large-scale studies show that herbal medicine or diet can control metastatic cancer'

Dr. Sushma Sumeet, BAMS, MD, PhD, an Ayurveda physician and senior research fellow at ICTRC Pune Integrated Cancer Treatment and Research Centre, said, “Dietary changes and use of medicinal plants can be used to reduce the side effects of cancer treatment. There have been reports that it may ultimately contribute to the health and well-being of patients, however, there are no large-scale studies that suggest this. “Conclusions or claims in this field that herbal medicine or diet alone can control metastatic cancer are generally based on subjective results, such as from personal experiences.”

“The specific dietary recommendations given to one patient may not be the same for another; they may vary depending on the cancer site, progression stage, patient history, presence of other co-morbidities, and many other factors. The same Treatment modalities are often challenging to treat chronic diseases like cancer. Most of the time, an integrated approach combining traditional treatments with the right nutritional interventions and complementary Ayurvedic medicines proves to be more effective,” the expert said.

'Low-fat diet reduces risk of death from breast cancer'

Dr. Vanita Rahman, an internal medicine physician, certified nutritionist, and fitness expert for the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), shared, “Only 5 to 10 percent of breast cancers are genetic, meaning most of the risk is lifestyle related. factors. It is important to know that low-fat, plant-based foods and exercise are associated with a lower risk of breast cancer. Soy (chunks, soybeans and edamame) are associated with a 41 percent reduction in the incidence of breast cancer and a 26 percent reduction in the risk of breast cancer recurrence.”

He added, “In the Women's Health Initiative, a low-fat diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and grains resulted in a reduced risk of death from breast cancer. On the other hand, red and processed meat, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, and hormones Replacement therapy is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, it is important to work with your health care team.”

Statement of doctors of Tata Memorial Hospital

In line with Sidhu's announcement, doctors at Tata Memorial Hospital also issued a joint statement and advised people not to blindly follow unproven methods for cancer treatment and not to delay their treatment.

“A video of a former cricketer describing his wife's breast cancer treatment is being widely circulated on social media. Parts of the video read, “Dairy products and sugar are not recommended,” the statement said. To starve cancer by eating, “Turmeric (Haldi) should be consumed.” ) and Neem helped cure his “incurable” cancer.”

“There is no high-quality evidence to support these statements. Although research continues for some of these products, there is currently no clinical evidence to recommend their use as anti-cancer agents There is no data. We urge the public not to delay their treatment by doing the following if they have any symptoms of cancer and should consult a doctor, preferably a cancer specialist, instead of trying unproven treatments.